Moving from Buffalo to Detroit (2026)
Detroit has a COL index of 87 vs 90 for Buffalo (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$87/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9087
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,200
per month
State tax
6.9%4.1%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,484
per month
Salary needed in Detroit to match your Buffalo lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Buffalo | Equivalent in Detroit |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,667 |
| $50K | $48,333 |
| $60K | $58,000 |
| $75K | $72,500 |
| $80K | $77,333 |
| $100K | $96,667 |
| $120K | $116,000 |
| $150K | $145,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Buffalo vs Detroit
| Expense | Buffalo | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,484 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $384 | $369 |
| Transport | $72 | $65 |
| Utilities | $185 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,353 | $2,615 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit cheaper than Buffalo?
Yes. Detroit has a cost of living index of 87 vs 90 for Buffalo (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Buffalo to Detroit?
On a $75K salary, moving from Buffalo to Detroit could save roughly $87/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,044/year.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match my Buffalo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Buffalo, you'd need roughly $72,500/year in Detroit. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Detroit to BuffaloBuffalo vs Detroit — full comparisonBuffalo cost of livingDetroit cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only