Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Detroit is 53% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,034/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 72%
$39,575/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↑ 97%
$76,800 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$327,700 ↑ 327%
$868/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 74%
636,644
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $38,562/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Detroit or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $38,562/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Florida?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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