Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 100.3 in Detroit, MI in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 8.6% more expensive than Detroit; housing rents differ by 60% (151.1 vs 94.7). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $69,086 buys in Detroit, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Washington | Detroit | Washington vs Detroit |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 100.3 | +8.6% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 98.8 | +6.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 94.7 | +59.6% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 107.0 | -0.3% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 102.6 | -0.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 100.6 | +14.1% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in Detroit | $46,057 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in Detroit | $92,115 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in Detroit | $138,172 |
Related
- 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 in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in District of Columbia vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Dothan, AL vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Dover, DE vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Dubuque, IA vs US average (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.