Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Detroit, MI

Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Detroit, MI

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

20.5% Detroit, MI is cheaper overall
48.5% 48.5% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.5% cheaper
Denver
132
Detroit
68
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Denver
101
Detroit
95
🚗 Transportation 2.9% cheaper
Denver
105
Detroit
102
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Detroit
96
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Denver
96
Detroit
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Detroit, MI Difference
Overall Cost Index1128920.5% less
Housing1326848.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$90044.4% less
Median Home Price$540,000$85,00084.3% less
Groceries101955.9% less
Transportation1051022.9% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Detroit, MI
State Income Tax4.40%4.25%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.32%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Detroit, MI
$42,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Detroit costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Detroit to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Detroit (89). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Detroit6.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Detroit1.5%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Detroit27 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Detroit55
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Detroit44
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Detroit49°F
Population
Denver713,252
Detroit639,111

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Detroit → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Detroit →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Detroit cheaper to live in?+
Detroit is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 48.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Detroit?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $900/month in Detroit — a difference of about $720 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Detroit?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Detroit?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $42,000 in Detroit. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Detroit?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $85,000 in Detroit — a difference of $455,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Michigan averages 1.32%.