City vs city
Detroit, MI vs Indianapolis, IN
- Rent is 8% lower in Detroit (median $1,074/mo vs $1,156/mo in Indianapolis).
- Homes cost 168% less in Detroit ($84k vs $225k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $19 more a month after taxes and rent in Detroit.
- Schools rate higher in Indianapolis (2.2/10 vs 1.1/10).
- Indianapolis has less violent crime (7.7 vs 16.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Detroit | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,074/mo | $1,156/mo |
| Median home value | $84k | $225k |
| Median household income | $40k | $66k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,814 | $3,795 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.1/10 | 2.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 4.6× the US rate | 2.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 84°F | 85°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 29°F |
| Sunny days a year | 180 | 186 |
| Walk score | 55 | 33 |
| Population | 638,530 | 885,860 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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