on $100k a year, leaving Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia's monthly cost
Detroit gives you room Philadelphia doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$1,472/mo
21% cheaper than Philadelphia(vs $1,869/mo)
4.25%
$214/mo less in state tax than Philadelphia
vs 6.82% in Philadelphia
$6,507/mo
$611 more than Philadelphia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$262k
33% cheaper than Philadelphia
vs $393k in Philadelphia
4.3M
vs 6.2M in Philadelphia
field notes, weather & such.
160
pleasant days a year, in detroit.
Philadelphia gets 173 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine. Winter has bite, though: 37 days drop below 20° vs Philadelphia's 21.
But the calendar thins out: Philadelphia stays 2.1× busier.
47/100
32% lower than Philadelphia
vs 69/100 in Philadelphia
Closest outdoor draw: Seven Lakes State Park, 46 mi.
99/100
1% lower than Philadelphia
vs 100/100 in Philadelphia
135
11% more than Philadelphia
vs 122 nonstops in Philadelphia
cities that play in detroit's register:
