City vs city
Detroit, MI vs Washington, DC
- Rent is 82% lower in Detroit (median $1,074/mo vs $1,954/mo in Washington).
- Homes cost 779% less in Detroit ($84k vs $737k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $921 more a month after taxes and rent in Detroit.
- Schools rate higher in Washington (7.2/10 vs 1.1/10).
- Washington has less violent crime (7.5 vs 16.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Washington has milder winters (36°F vs 26°F average).
- Washington gets more sun (201 vs 180 sunny days a year).
| Detroit | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,074/mo | $1,954/mo |
| Median home value | $84k | $737k |
| Median household income | $40k | $110k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,814 | $2,893 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.1/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 4.6× the US rate | 2.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 84°F | 90°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 36°F |
| Sunny days a year | 180 | 201 |
| Walk score | 55 | 77 |
| Population | 638,530 | 681,294 |
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.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city