Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 100.3 in Detroit, MI in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 15.3% more expensive than Detroit; housing rents differ by 106% (194.7 vs 94.7). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $65,065 buys in Detroit, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Detroit | San Francisco vs Detroit |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 100.3 | +15.3% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 98.8 | +9.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 94.7 | +105.6% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 107.0 | +61.3% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 102.6 | +3.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 100.6 | +18.4% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Detroit | $43,377 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Detroit | $86,753 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Detroit | $130,130 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.