Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 100.3 in Detroit, MI in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 7.9% more expensive than Detroit; housing rents differ by 57% (148.4 vs 94.7). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $69,480 buys in Detroit, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Detroit | Boston vs Detroit |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 100.3 | +7.9% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 98.8 | +0.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 94.7 | +56.7% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 107.0 | +39.1% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 102.6 | +1.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 100.6 | +7.1% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Detroit | $46,320 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Detroit | $92,640 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Detroit | $138,961 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.