Cost of Living in Detroit, Michigan, United States

Are you considering a move to Detroit, Michigan, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Detroit, Michigan is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Detroit, Michigan and help you understand whether $3133 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4331.83.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Detroit, Michigan, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

15.5 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

68.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

5.5 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

7.5 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.71 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.04 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.88 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.9 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.46 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

4.75 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.02 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

13.22 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

13.07 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

15.35 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.52 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.41 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.96 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.22 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.19 $

Onion (1 lb)

3.06 $

Lettuce (1 head)

3.12 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.37 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

9.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.68 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.21 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

8.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.0 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

60.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.85 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.24 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

15.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.95 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

25000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

28064.17 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

261.35 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

74.22 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

38.33 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

23.75 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

12.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

783.33 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

13500.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

36.33 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

39.67 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

79.89 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

83.62 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1316.67 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

991.6 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

3000.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1570.0 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1022.57 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1022.57 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

4331.83 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.33 %

Cost of Living in Detroit, Michigan, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Detroit, Michigan?

The monthly expenses for living in Detroit, Michigan come to a total of approximately $3133. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1316 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $298 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $916 per month.

How affordable is living in Detroit, Michigan?

Living in Detroit, Michigan appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4331.83. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Detroit, Michigan, you would likely need an income exceeding $4331.83.

What is the average salary in Detroit, Michigan?

In Detroit, Michigan, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4331.83, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Detroit, Michigan?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Detroit, Michigan is approximately $1316. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $991.6 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Detroit, Michigan?

The expense for groceries in Detroit, Michigan can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $730 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

Detroit, Michigan, United States

How Safe Is Detroit, Michigan, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Detroit, Michigan, United States

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There is really no getting around the medium risk in Detroit. Crime rates, even with a decline in 2021, are still extraordinarily high, and 33% of the city lives in poverty. Hollywood hasn't helped Detroit's image with hit movies like 8 Mile. It is not a city too dangerous to visit, but you do need to do research, and we'll walk you through all the risks in this article.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Download the Park Whiz app if you have a rental car here, as you'll need to find a parking spot in advance. Public transportation includes buses, trains, light rail, street cars, and shuttles. VisitDetroit.com has a long list of transportation methods, along with prices and routes. You can get anywhere in the city or the suburbs using one of the public systems, but taxis and rideshares are readily available. All come with a medium risk due to high crime rates, and car thefts were up 24% in 2021. There were 216 carjackings as well, so even having your own car doesn't lower the risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk here, too, though this is a good news/bad news situation. The good news is, the pickpocket and purse snatching rate isn't as high as in other major cities. The bad news is that criminals would rather take things by force than by manipulation. Either way, always carry only the minimum items you need and keep valuables out of sight.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Winter is brutal in Detroit, but if you're from a place that gets really cold weather you might not notice it that much. Spring can bring tornadoes, but places farther south in the Midwest get more aggressive storms. Flooding is also a risk with so much water nearby. There's a medium risk here, and don't come for winter unprepared for frigid temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The robbery rate is three times higher than the national average, so there's a medium risk here too. Never fight back against a robber in general, but especially in Detroit.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Since it's such a big city with a large industrial presence, there's going to be a medium risk. As recently as 2022, several terrorism-related plots were thwarted by ongoing efforts by the FBI and Homeland Security.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There are a lot of fraud and scam rings in Detroit. While most are focused on locals, there are rental scams and stolen credit card activity that should make you use the utmost caution. Also, don't buy items from people on the street or out of a car trunk. These are usually things that appear to be high value, like gold, but at a deep discount. Once the person finds out the gold is fake, they have no way to get their money back.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

The sexual assault rate is three times higher than the national average, but for overall violent crime, a woman is just as likely to be a victim of a crime as a man. You should never walk around Detroit alone at night, even on a well-lit street. Stick to rideshares or your own car, and never hesitate to ask a security or police officer to walk you to your car or back to your hotel.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

There was one water violation in 2021 that was related to a filter issue. The problem has been resolved, and there was no risk to the public. All other categories were in full compliance, and there's a low risk. The water quality in the river and lakes is a different story, and we'll go through that shortly.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work Visa or a Visa Waiver to enter the United States. There are several different processes to go through, so please research this information thoroughly on the State Department website.

currency_exchange

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar (USD) here. Please don't carry cash around Detroit. Try to pay for as much in advance as you can to avoid having to pull out your wallet. If you want to exchange currency, do so before you arrive to get the best value.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Michigan has some of the mildest and most beautiful summers in the country, but winters can be tough. Plan to wear full winter outwear from November through April. You'll want snow boots, hiking boots, or other comfortable closed-toed shoes. Dress in layers for those unpredictable spring and fall days and nights. Rain gear should be helpful throughout the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is on the southwest side of the metro area, and it's going to take you at least 30 minutes to get there. Plan ahead for traffic and give yourself an hour. Windsor International Airport is about 30 minutes away, but you'll be crossing the Canadian border if you choose that airport, so definitely plan extra time to go through Border Patrol.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great way to avoid fees for any cancelations or delays, and you'll want to have health insurance if you are coming from outside the country. Any health care necessary here will cost you a lot of money out-of-pocket otherwise.

Detroit, Michigan, United States

What about weather in Detroit, Michigan, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 32°F 35°F 45°F 58°F 70°F 79°F 83°F 80°F 73°F 61°F 48°F 37°F
Temp 26°F 28°F 36°F 48°F 60°F 70°F 74°F 72°F 65°F 53°F 42°F 31°F
Low 21°F 23°F 30°F 41°F 52°F 62°F 66°F 65°F 57°F 46°F 36°F 27°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 0°C 1°C 7°C 14°C 21°C 26°C 28°C 26°C 22°C 16°C 8°C 2°C
Temp -3°C -2°C 2°C 8°C 15°C 21°C 23°C 22°C 18°C 11°C 5°C 0°C
Low -6°C -5°C -1°C 5°C 11°C 16°C 18°C 18°C 13°C 7°C 2°C -2°C

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