Quick answer
Overall prices in the Detroit, MI metro were 100.3 vs 111.1 in Seattle, WA in 2024 (US = 100), so Detroit is 9.7% less expensive than Seattle; housing rents differ by 37% (94.7 vs 151.3). A $75,000 income in Detroit buys about what $83,102 buys in Seattle, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Detroit | Seattle | Detroit vs Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 100.3 | 111.1 | -9.7% |
| Goods | 98.8 | 104.0 | -5.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 94.7 | 151.3 | -37.4% |
| Utilities | 107.0 | 92.8 | +15.3% |
| Other services | 102.6 | 106.8 | -4.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 100.6 | 109.1 | -7.8% |
| $50,000 in Detroit equals in Seattle | $55,401 | ||
| $100,000 in Detroit equals in Seattle | $110,803 | ||
| $150,000 in Detroit equals in Seattle | $166,204 |
Related
- Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Detroit, MI (2024)
- Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs Detroit, MI (2024)
- Cost of living in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI vs US average (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.