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Detroit vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Detroit, MI | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 100.3 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $69,210 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $52,080 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $69,004 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $53,302 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $269,080 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $75,123 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 4,367,620 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Detroit to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Detroit to Washington, multiply your salary by 1.086.
| Salary in Detroit | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Detroit | $54,280 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Detroit | $81,420 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Detroit | $108,560 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Detroit | $162,841 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Detroit | $217,121 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Detroit and Washington
| Job | Detroit | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $133,060 | $163,620 | $132,665 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $95,170 | $113,390 | $94,887 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $128,200 | $153,100 | $127,819 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $39,030 | $39,600 | $38,914 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $107,300 | $145,310 | $106,981 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $30,860 | $35,550 | $30,768 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $37,780 | $39,660 | $37,668 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $32,050 | $36,630 | $31,955 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,830 | $39,110 | $34,727 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $152,950 | $226,780 | $152,496 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $95,460 | $104,590 | $95,176 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $45,080 | $51,820 | $44,946 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $147,130 | $176,670 | $146,693 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $91,310 | $113,640 | $91,039 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $40,790 | $54,430 | $40,669 / $49,989 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Detroit vs Washington: questions
Is Detroit more expensive than Washington?
No. BEA prices are 100.3 in Detroit, MI and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Detroit?
About $108,560, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Detroit or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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