Cost of Living in Detroit

The cost of living in Detroit will depend on your lifestyle and preferences, but overall, it’s a pretty affordable city. In fact, it ranks 81st out of 226 cities on the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, making it much cheaper than many other big cities in the US.

Cost of accommodation in Detroit

The cost of accommodation in Detroit varies. Owing to the city’s constant redevelopment, there are many opportunities to buy or rent properties cheaply, but this will often entail extensive maintenance and renovations. If you’re looking to avoid these extra costs, renting accommodation that is slightly pricier but requires less renovation is better.

Overall, housing remains relatively cheap, and rent is usually affordable, even within the upmarket suburbs near the city centre.

Utilities are typically not included in the advertised monthly rental price and must be paid for separately, so this is something else you must account for in your monthly budget.

Cost of transport in Detroit

Although motor insurance is notoriously expensive, most Detroit residents own a car. If you’re planning to buy a car, you should also budget for petrol (gas), as Detroit is a large city, so you’re likely to drive long distances.

Public transport in Detroit isn’t as extensive as in New York or Boston, but reasonably priced bus services, including Greyhound, Megabus, and SMART, run through both the suburbs and city centre.

Cost of groceries in Detroit

Grocery prices in Detroit are rising but still relatively affordable. Residents can expect to pay 3 percent more for groceries in Detroit than in other parts of the United States.

This relative affordability is reflected in the wide array of grocery shops dotting the city, including but not limited to Meijer, Lafayette Foods, Honey Bee Market and Prince Valley Market. These shops offer a variety of food items and household necessities catering to the diverse needs of Detroit’s population.

Beyond traditional grocery shops, Detroit’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced food is evident in its vibrant farmers market scene. Markets such as the Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market, Second Grace Umc Farmers Market, E. Warren Farmers Market, Islandview Farmers Market, and Red Flower Growers serve as community hubs where residents can purchase fresh produce, homemade goods, and handcrafted items.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Detroit

From fast-casual eateries and street food that provide quick, affordable meals to upscale dining options where a three-course meal signifies a more refined experience, Detroit accommodates every palate and wallet. Detroit prides itself on its diverse culinary landscape, which includes a high concentration of international and ethnic restaurants. Notably, Greektown is celebrated for its authentic Greek dining establishments and Mexicantown for its array of Mexican cuisine, each adding to the rich tapestry of Detroit’s food scene.

Detroit’s nightlife and entertainment offerings are just as vibrant and diverse. From the iconic jazz clubs offering soulful live music and delicious soul food to the Detroit Princess river cruises providing unique tours and events, there’s no shortage of recreational activities.

The city’s nightlife thrives in downtown Detroit, Royal Oak, Ferndale, and Midtown, each bustling with bars, clubs, and live music venues to cater to every preference. For those searching for free entertainment, Detroit boasts several parks and islands, such as Campus Martius Park and Belle Isle Park, offering peaceful retreats and cultural experiences like jazz fests.

Cost of education in Detroit

Those who send their children to local public schools will have few expenses, as fees are free of charge. Parents will only need to take care of stationery and school lunches at public schools.

Attendance at international schools, on the other hand, usually tends to be pricey. Although international schools are expensive, standards at these schools tend to be excellent.

Cost of healthcare in Detroit

Numerous factors influence the cost of healthcare and health insurance in Detroit, including medical costs and insurance premiums. Michigan ranks favourably in terms of medical care costs, being one of the more affordable states for emergency room visits and hospital stays. Despite this, Detroit stands out for its relatively high health insurance premiums, surpassing the national average. This discrepancy highlights the city’s efforts to balance quality medical care with the affordability of health insurance.

To reduce your health insurance costs, you can work on improving your health markers, as the cost of health insurance is dependent on several factors, including your health status, coverage level, and age.