Is Detroit expensive to live in?
Median income: $33,381. Median rent: $800. Median home price: $85,000.
Relocation guide · Michigan
Moving to Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI city guide. Population is 672,662. Median household income is $33,381. Median rent is $800.
Median Rent
$800/mo
Median Income
$33,381
State Tax
4.25%
Population
672,662
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Detroit
Median income: $33,381. Median rent: $800. Median home price: $85,000.
Median Rent/mo
$800
Median Home Price
$85,000
Median Income
$33,381
Rent-to-Income
29%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Michigan
State tax rate: 4.25%. Local tax rate: 6%.
State Income Tax
4.25%
Local Tax Rate
6.00%
Climate
Weather in Detroit
Average high: 58°F. Average low: 40°F. Annual rainfall: 34 inches. Sunny days: 183.
Avg High Temp
58°F
Avg Low Temp
40°F
Sunny Days/yr
183
Annual Rainfall
34"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Detroit
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Detroit with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Detroit
What is the average rent in Detroit?
The median rent in Detroit is $800/month. Median home price is $85,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Michigan have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 4.25%. Local tax rate: 6%.
What is Detroit known for?
Detroit, MI city guide. Population is 672,662. Median household income is $33,381. Median rent is $800.
What should I know before moving to Detroit?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Detroit has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.