Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Provo, UT (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Detroit is 48% cheaper than Provo.

$1,034/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 11%
$39,575/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 59%
$76,800 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 469%
$868/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 41%
636,644
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $23,225/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Provo — common questions

Is Detroit or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Provo?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Provo?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $23,225/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Utah?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Provo

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Provo vs. Waterbury Provo vs. Elgin Provo vs. Carlsbad Provo vs. Odessa Provo vs. East Los Angeles Provo vs. Springfield