Quick answer
Overall prices in the Detroit, MI metro were 100.3 vs 95.8 in Buffalo, NY in 2024 (US = 100), so Detroit is 4.6% more expensive than Buffalo; housing rents differ by 17% (94.7 vs 81.0). A $75,000 income in Detroit buys about what $71,669 buys in Buffalo, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Detroit | Buffalo | Detroit vs Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 100.3 | 95.8 | +4.6% |
| Goods | 98.8 | 99.7 | -0.9% |
| Housing (rents) | 94.7 | 81.0 | +16.9% |
| Utilities | 107.0 | 129.5 | -17.4% |
| Other services | 102.6 | 97.8 | +4.9% |
| All items, 2008 | 100.6 | 97.0 | +3.7% |
| $50,000 in Detroit equals in Buffalo | $47,780 | ||
| $100,000 in Detroit equals in Buffalo | $95,559 | ||
| $150,000 in Detroit equals in Buffalo | $143,339 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.