Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Detroit is 68% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,034/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 85%
$39,575/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 171%
$76,800 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 824%
$868/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 110%
636,644
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $876/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $10,512/year.

Median household income is $67,797/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Detroit or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $876/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $67,797/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Arizona?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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