on $100k a year, leaving Chicago
changea dispatch from
detroit
MI
42.33°N
83.05°W
Detroit is Motown, techno's birthplace, auto-industry bones, and a comeback story that's actually happening. Coney dogs come with chili and onions, the riverfront looks across at Canada (yes, Canada is south of Detroit), and the murals in Eastern Market could fill an art book. Cass Corridor, Corktown, Mexicantown: every neighborhood feels like its own city. The architecture downtown is genuinely jaw-dropping.
in our guides
the verdict
below Chicago's monthly cost
Detroit gives you room Chicago doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$1,472/mo
32% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
4.25%
$58/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,507/mo
$756 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$262k
28% cheaper than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
4.3M
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
160
pleasant days a year, in detroit.
Chicago only manages 153 of those.
Chicago hosts 14.4× more events.
47/100
33% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Seven Lakes State Park, 46 mi.
99/100
1% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
135
38% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
neighbors of detroit on the map of tradeoffs:
compare detroit with:
