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Richmond vs Detroit

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Detroit is 10% cheaper than Richmond overall.Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 vs Detroit at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Richmond costs 24% more.

Pierre
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Richmond
VA
98
COLI index
VS
Detroit
MI
88
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryRichmondDetroitDifference
Overall COLI9888-10%
Housing11285-24%
Groceries102101-1%
Transport103101-2%
Healthcare102102Same
Utilities100112+12%

Median 1BR Rent

Richmond
$1,400/mo
Detroit
$1,100/mo

Median Home Price

Richmond
$310,000
Detroit
$90,000

Median Household Income

Richmond
$55,766
Detroit
$34,762

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit is cheaper to live in overall. Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 while Detroit has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. Detroit is 10% cheaper than Richmond overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Richmond is $1,400 per month compared to $1,100 in Detroit. The median home price in Richmond is $310,000 versus $90,000 in Detroit. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 and Detroit has an index of 88, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Richmond, multiply by 0.90. For example a $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to approximately $67,347 in Detroit.

Richmond has a median household income of $55,766 per year versus $34,762 in Detroit. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Richmond to Detroit is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Detroit is 10% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.