CostIndexUSA

Detroit, MI vs Idaho Falls, ID Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

MI
Detroit
100.3
overall index
$1,450/mo rent
More AffordableID
Idaho Falls
94.4
overall index
$1,400/mo rent

Idaho Falls is moderately cheaper than Detroit — 5.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Detroit, you would need $75,300 in Idaho Falls. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing11.3%
Detroit
94.7
Idaho Falls
84
🛒 Groceries2.6%
Detroit
98.8
Idaho Falls
96.2
🚗 Transportation3.5%
Detroit
107.7
Idaho Falls
103.9
🏥 Healthcare3.6%
Detroit
97.5
Idaho Falls
94
Utilities34.9%
Detroit
107
Idaho Falls
69.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Detroit to see what you'd need to earn in Idaho Falls to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Idaho Falls, ID
$75,300
$4,700 less needed in Idaho Falls

Formula: salary × (94.4 ÷ 100.3) = salary × 0.9412. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Detroit, MI

Median Home Price
$254,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,450
Housing Index
94.7
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.6×

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Home Price
$399,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Housing Index
84
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.8×

Detroit has 11.3% lower housing costs compared to Idaho Falls.

Income & Job Market

Detroit, MI

Median Household Income
$72,600
Per Capita Income
$41,400
Unemployment Rate
5%
Population
672,795
Top Industries
AutomotiveHealthcareTechnologyFinanceManufacturing

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Household Income
$75,800
Per Capita Income
$43,200
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
Population
64,818
Top Industries
EnergyHealthcareAgricultureRetailGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Detroit, MI
4.2×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Idaho Falls, ID
4.5×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.