City cost comparison
Ann Arbor vs Detroit
Housing, childcare, healthcare, food, and education — side by side for families weighing Ann Arbor, MI against Detroit, MI.
Comparison matrix
Emerald badges flag the cheaper city for each line item; rose marks when the other city wins on cost.
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Detroit, MI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HousingFamily housing premium / month | $972 | $612 | +59% cheaper in Detroit |
| ChildcareAvg monthly (infant → school-age) | $1,442 | $1,126 | +28% cheaper in Detroit |
| HealthcareFamily premium share + child OOP / month | $673 | $607 | +11% cheaper in Detroit |
| FoodPer child / month | $374 | $317 | +18% cheaper in Detroit |
| EducationAnnual baseline ÷ 12 | $92 | $75 | +23% cheaper in Detroit |
Illustrative planning baselines (updated 2026-01-15 / 2026-01-15). Verify local rates before major decisions.