CostIndexUSA

Detroit, MI vs Lynchburg, VA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

MI
Detroit
100.3
overall index
$1,450/mo rent
More AffordableVA
Lynchburg
89.4
overall index
$1,300/mo rent

Lynchburg is moderately cheaper than Detroit — 10.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Detroit, you would need $71,300 in Lynchburg. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing32.5%
Detroit
94.7
Lynchburg
63.9
🛒 Groceries2.0%
Detroit
98.8
Lynchburg
96.8
🚗 Transportation3.9%
Detroit
107.7
Lynchburg
103.5
🏥 Healthcare3.9%
Detroit
97.5
Lynchburg
93.7
Utilities17.9%
Detroit
107
Lynchburg
87.8

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Detroit to see what you'd need to earn in Lynchburg to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Lynchburg, VA
$71,300
$8,700 less needed in Lynchburg

Formula: salary × (89.4 ÷ 100.3) = salary × 0.8913. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Detroit, MI

Median Home Price
$254,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,450
Housing Index
94.7
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.6×

Lynchburg, VA

Median Home Price
$277,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,300
Housing Index
63.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.8×

Detroit has 32.5% lower housing costs compared to Lynchburg.

Income & Job Market

Detroit, MI

Median Household Income
$72,600
Per Capita Income
$41,400
Unemployment Rate
5%
Population
672,795
Top Industries
AutomotiveHealthcareTechnologyFinanceManufacturing

Lynchburg, VA

Median Household Income
$67,100
Per Capita Income
$38,200
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Population
82,168
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingRetailGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Detroit, MI
4.2×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Lynchburg, VA
4.3×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.