Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Detroit is 55% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,034/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 30%
$39,575/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 89%
$76,800 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 545%
$868/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 61%
636,644
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $35,350/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Detroit or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $35,350/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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