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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

28.2% Detroit, MI is cheaper overall
56.4% 56.4% cheaper housing
12.0% 12.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 56.4% cheaper
Seattle
156
Detroit
68
🛒 Groceries 12.0% cheaper
Seattle
108
Detroit
95
🚗 Transportation 13.6% cheaper
Seattle
118
Detroit
102
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Seattle
110
Detroit
96
⚡ Utilities 14.3% more
Seattle
91
Detroit
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Detroit, MI Difference
Overall Cost Index1248928.2% less
Housing1566856.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$90056.1% less
Median Home Price$780,000$85,00089.1% less
Groceries1089512.0% less
Transportation11810213.6% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities9110414.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Detroit, MI
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.25%
State Sales Tax6.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.32%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Detroit (89). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Detroit6.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Detroit1.5%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Detroit27 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Detroit55
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Detroit44
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Detroit49°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Detroit639,111

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 56.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Detroit?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $900/month in Detroit — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Detroit?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Detroit?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Detroit?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $85,000 in Detroit — a difference of $695,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Michigan averages 1.32%.