Kept

City vs city

Detroit vs San Francisco

$100,000 in Detroit buys a lifestyle closer to $198,000 in San Francisco, because San Francisco's cost-of-living index is 178 versus 90.

Detroit

Low housing costs, city income tax, and a 4.25% state flat tax.

COL index
90
Typical 1-bed
$1,200/mo
Comfortable salary
$77,000
$100k take-home
$72,781
Full Detroit guide

San Francisco

Tech wages are high, but housing absorbs a large share of even six-figure take-home pay.

COL index
178
Typical 1-bed
$3,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$151,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Francisco guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego