CostIndexUSA

Detroit, MI vs Springfield, IL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

MI
Detroit
100.3
overall index
$1,450/mo rent
More AffordableIL
Springfield
92.7
overall index
$1,150/mo rent

Springfield is moderately cheaper than Detroit — 7.6% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Detroit, you would need $73,900 in Springfield. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing24.4%
Detroit
94.7
Springfield
71.6
🛒 Groceries5.3%
Detroit
98.8
Springfield
93.6
🚗 Transportation2.9%
Detroit
107.7
Springfield
104.6
🏥 Healthcare3.0%
Detroit
97.5
Springfield
94.6
Utilities15.5%
Detroit
107
Springfield
90.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Springfield, IL
$73,900
$6,100 less needed in Springfield

Formula: salary × (92.7 ÷ 100.3) = salary × 0.9242. 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×

Springfield, IL

Median Home Price
$188,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,150
Housing Index
71.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6×

Detroit has 24.4% lower housing costs compared to Springfield.

Income & Job Market

Detroit, MI

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

Springfield, IL

Median Household Income
$72,200
Per Capita Income
$41,200
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Population
114,230
Top Industries
GovernmentHealthcareEducationFinanceRetail

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)

Springfield, IL
5.2×income-to-rent ratio

81% 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.