Moving to Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is making a big comeback, attracting newcomers with its mix of affordability, culture, jobs, and urban redevelopment.

If you’re planning a move, here’s the ultimate guide to Detroit, including cost of living, jobs, schools, crime, best neighborhoods, moving incentives, and more.

Detroit Overview

• Typical rent (varies by neighborhood): roughly $700–$1,600+ for 1–2BRs, depending on source and neighborhood; median one-bedroom rents reported around $776 to $1,020+ (Apartments.com), depending on dataset.
• Median home price estimates vary widely by source; many central Detroit neighborhoods are well under $400k, while aggregated citywide indices (including high-end renovated properties) report mid-$400k to $560k ranges. Expect huge variance by neighborhood.
• Major employment clusters: automotive & mobility (GM, Ford area, Stellantis), health systems (Henry Ford, Beaumont area), finance/tech (Rocket Companies, startups) — strong mobility/advanced manufacturing and an emerging tech startup ecosystem.
• Crime trend: violent crime in Detroit fell in 2024 (notably fewer homicides than in 2023), with city officials and AP reporting historic drops, but crime levels still vary a lot by neighborhood. Research street-level data for the exact block/neighborhood.
• Taxes: Michigan state income tax is a flat 4.25% (2025 tax year); City of Detroit personal income tax is ~2.4% for residents (1.2% for non-residents). Also expect property tax and a state sales tax (6%).
• Homebuyer/relocation incentives: Detroit offers down-payment assistance (grants up to $25,000) for qualifying buyers, local Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) tax relief, and city and state development tax abatements for qualifying projects. Many employer and neighborhood-specific programs exist.

Breaking down long-distance moving expenses to help you plan ahead!

Cost of living

Housing is the big variable. Different sources report different medians because Detroit is a patchwork: renovated lofts in Corktown/Brush Park vs. modest single-family houses in other neighborhoods.

Rents

• ApartmentList reported median 1-bedroom rent ~$776 and two-bedroom ~$1,039 (data varies by month/area).
• Apartments.com and RentCafe report higher averages for some timeframes (citywide averages around $1,000–$1,400). Expect premium pricing in Downtown, Midtown, and newly redeveloped areas.

Home prices

• Citywide averages reported between $400k–$568k, depending on the source and whether suburbs are included.
• Many neighborhoods still have affordable single-family homes under $200k, while renovated historic homes can fetch much more.
• Research neighborhood-level MLS listings for accurate pricing.

Utilities/groceries/transportation

• Slightly above to near the national average, depending on data source, budget an extra 1–5% over the US average for groceries, utilities, and transportation according to some cost indices.

Taxes

• Michigan income tax = 4.25% (flat).
• Detroit city income tax for residents is 2.4% (nonresidents ~1.2%).
• Sales tax is 6% (statewide). Property tax rates vary by municipality.

Practical budget tip

If you’re moving from an expensive coastal city, run numbers assuming housing is 30–60% cheaper for comparable space in many Detroit neighborhoods, but factor in renovation and maintenance if buying an older property.

Compare the cost of living in Detroit with your current location at numbeo.com  

You may also like to read: The Benefits of Moving to a New City. The cost of living is only a part of your quality of life. In this guide, we look at 10 life-changing benefits of moving to a new city.

Career Opportunities

Detroit’s economy is focused on several industries:

Automotive & Mobility

• Legacy automakers (GM, Ford region, Stellantis) and hundreds of suppliers and mobility startups.
• Detroit remains a global center for vehicle development, EV work, and advanced manufacturing.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

• Large health systems (Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont network in the region) provide major employment across clinical, administrative, and research roles.

Finance, Mortgage & Corporate HQs

• Rocket Companies / Rocket Mortgage and other financial/insurtech firms have a big presence.
• Corporate HQ and professional services jobs are growing in downtown.

Tech & Startups

• Detroit’s tech ecosystem focuses on mobility tech, logistics, fintech, and industrial SaaS.
• Startups such as Gatik (logistics), Airspace Link (drones), and many smaller teams are active
• Job listings for software engineers and product roles are increasingly available.
• Meetups, coworking spaces, and accelerators (e.g., TechTown, Detroit Creative Corridor Center) can help with networking.

Construction & Real Estate Development

• Major downtown/mixed-use projects (District Detroit, redevelopment of Michigan Central) keep construction, trades, and development jobs active.

Job-hunting tips

• Target large established employers for stability, but also contact the growing startup community for faster growth opportunities.
• Detroit-area hiring volumes have increased in tech/advanced manufacturing.
• Use local job boards, the Detroit Regional Chamber resources, and specialized mobility/manufacturing recruiters.

Browse the latest job offers in Detroit at detroitatwork.com  

You may also like to read: Moving for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to a new city for work.

Best Neighborhoods

Neighborhood choice matters a lot in Detroit. Here are commonly recommended neighborhoods: check walkability, commute, school outcomes, and the exact block before you sign anything.

Midtown

• Arts, hospitals, Wayne State University; good for young professionals and renters.
• Close to cultural institutions.

Downtown/Central Business District

• Condos, nightlife, events (Red Wings/Lions/Ilitches developments).
• Best if you want short commutes and city energy.

Corktown

• Historic, lively restaurant scene, near Michigan Central redevelopment
• Popular with young professionals and creative types.

Brush Park / Riverfront (Rivertown)

• High-rise lofts, new development, waterfront access, near Greektown.

Indian Village / Sherwood Forest / East English Village

• Leafy, historic single-family homes
• Popular with families seeking traditional neighborhoods.

North End / Boston-Edison / University District

• A mix of renovation projects and long-term residents
• University District attracts academics and university staff.

For families who prioritize top public schools, many people choose Detroit suburbs (Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Novi).

They often have higher-rated schools and suburban amenities (shorter commutes in exchange for a suburban lifestyle). GreatSchools and Niche are good for comparing schools.

Neighborhood Comparison Chart

Neighbor-hood	Average Rent (1BR)	Median Home Price	School Quality	Crime, Safety Trend	Vibe – Who It Fits
Down-town	$1,200–$1,600+	$400k–$600k condos	Mixed (strong charters nearby)	Getting Better	Young pros, city lovers
Midtown	$1,000–$1,400	$300k–$500k lofts	Near Wayne State, some charters	Generally safe, lively	Students, professionals
Corktown	$1,200–$1,500	$350k–$700k homes	Mixed	Safer	Creatives, foodies
Brush Park	$1,300–$1,800 lofts	$450k–$800k+ new builds	Limited public schools, charters nearby	Safer, redeveloped area	Professionals, couples
Indian Village	$900–$1,200	$250k–$500k historic	Mixed	Moderate	Families, history lovers
Boston-Edison	$850–$1,100	$200k–$400k homes	Mixed	Varies by block	Families, renovators
University District	$900–$1,300	$220k–$450k homes	Near strong private /magnet schools	Moderate	Academics, families
Grosse Pointe	$1,200–$1,800	$400k–$700k	Top-rated public schools	Safer, suburban	Families prioritizing schools

Note: Prices vary by block; data aggregated from ApartmentList, RentCafe, Realtor.com, and Detroit market reports.

Read more about the best neighborhoods to live in at www.niche.com

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good Neighborhood. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing the right neighborhood for your lifestyle.

Safety & Crime

Detroit reported a substantial drop in homicides and violent crime in 2024 compared with 2023; city officials credited multi-agency initiatives and community programs (e.g., ShotStoppers) and highlighted fewer homicides than in many prior decades.

That said, crime is very neighborhood-specific; some blocks are among the safest urban areas you’ll find, whilst others still see measurable violent crime or property crime.

What to do:                                              

• Check block or neighborhood-level crime maps (Detroit Police, SpotCrime, local neighborhood associations) rather than citywide averages.
• Visit at different times (day/night) to assess noise, lighting, and activity.
• Talk to neighbors, local business owners, block clubs — community involvement is real and helpful.

You can browse crime incidents by neighborhood at www.data.detroitmi.gov 

You may also like to read: Moving to a New City Alone. In this guide, we look at the challenges and solutions of moving to a new city on your own.

Best Schools

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) runs many schools; some DPSCD high schools (Cass Technical, Renaissance, Communication & Media Arts) and several charter schools and magnet schools earn high marks.

GreatSchools and state report cards are essential for school-by-school data.

Magnets & charters: Detroit has a large charter school ecosystem and multiple magnet programs (arts, STEM, vocational). Consider school choice timelines and lotteries.

Private & suburban alternatives: many families live in Detroit and send kids to private schools, or live in nearby suburbs with highly ranked public systems (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe, Troy, Novi). If schooling quality is important, consider the suburban metro map and commuting tradeoffs.

Browse school ratings data at www.greatschools.org

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Great School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.

Incentives & Financial Help

City Down Payment Assistance Program (Detroit)

Grants up to $25,000 for qualifying buyers to promote homeownership, which is excellent if you qualify. Application and eligibility details are on the city housing department site.

Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) Act

State-level program allows property tax exemptions/abatements for new/rehab residential housing in eligible areas, used widely to incentivize rehab. Check local availability and designated NEZ maps.

Tax abatements & development incentives

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) manages business tax abatements and brownfield incentives for developers; some projects pass through the city council for property-tax freezes or reductions. These primarily target developers but frequently improve neighborhood housing supply.

DEGC

Other programs: historic tax credits for qualified rehab projects, workforce housing tax reduction programs, and occasional nonprofit or employer relocation packages (some employers offer relocation stipends for key hires).

Read more about the incentives that are available to people moving to Detroit at www.movetomichigan.org  

You may also like to read: Tips for Moving on a Budget. In this guide, we offer a number of tips to make your move to Detroit as cost-effective as possible.

Transportation & Commuting

DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Airport)

• It is Michigan’s busiest airport, a major Delta hub with strong domestic and international connectivity.
• Great for frequent travelers.

Public transit

• QLINE streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue linking Downtown–Midtown–New Center
• DDOT buses and SMART suburban buses cover wider areas
• The Detroit People Mover serves downtown (recently returned to regular service).
• Car ownership is common for cross-metro commutes.

Highways

• I-75, I-94, I-96, and M-10/Woodward facilitate regional driving
• Expect commuter traffic in peak hours toward job centers and freeways into the suburbs.

Learn more about Detroit transit at www.detroitmi.gov

Healthcare, Culture & Lifestyle

Healthcare

• Henry Ford Health System and other major health systems provide top-tier care and are major employers.

Culture & food

• World-class museums (Detroit Institute of Arts), Motown, and music history
• There is a vibrant and eclectic restaurant scene
• Professional sports (Pistons, Lions, Tigers, Red Wings in the metro)
• Redevelopment around sports and entertainment districts has energized downtown.

Parks & Outdoors

• Riverfront redevelopment, Belle Isle park, and nearby Great Lakes access make good options for weekend escapes.

Learn more about the things to do in Detroit at www.visitdetroit.com

You may also like to read: Things to Consider When Moving Out of State. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration before deciding to move to another state.

Weather & Seasons

Climate

• Four distinct seasons. Cold, snowy winters (plan for winter driving and heating costs) and warm, humid summers. Spring and fall are generally pleasant.
• Check local averages when budgeting for heating/fuel/insulation.

Practical Moving Checklist

Before you move

• Run housing searches by neighborhood (MLS, Zillow, local broker). Check walk score, transit, daylight visits.
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage if buying; ask about Detroit down-payment assistance.
• Research school enrollment windows and choice/lottery deadlines if you have kids.

During move

• Hire movers with Michigan experience, and confirm insurance for valuable items.
• If you’re bringing a car: register with the Michigan Secretary of State within the required days and update insurance.

After you arrive

• Set up utilities (DTE Energy for electricity/gas in many areas), internet providers, trash/recycling (city or private, depending on address).
• Meet the block club or neighborhood association; register for community alerts.
• Update voter registration, driver’s license, and tax withholding (determine if Detroit city income tax applies).

You may also like to read: Moving Checklist. Here we have created a week-by-week moving checklist to make your home move as easy as possible for you.

Housing Considerations

If buying an older Detroit property, budget extra for inspection items (roof, foundation, HVAC, lead paint, asbestos in very old homes). Many rehabbed properties look turnkey, but it is always worth checking.

Rental leases: confirm who handles snow/weed control, parking rules, security deposits, and any HOA or condo fees for units.

Useful Resources

• Detroit city official pages (housing programs, income tax, public safety updates).
• Detroit Regional Chamber / DEGC for employers, incentives, and economic research.
• Rent & housing market: ApartmentList, RentCafe, Apartments.com for rent medians.
• Schools: GreatSchools, Niche, Detroit Public Schools Community District school pages.

You may also like to read: My Partner Does Not Want to Move Home. In this guide, we suggest practical ways to solve the issue of you wanting to move home but your partner doesn’t want to.

FAQ About Moving to Detroit

Is Detroit a good place to live?

Detroit has distinct neighborhoods, many of which offer great affordability, culture, and jobs (mobility, healthcare, startups). It’s ideal if you value urban redevelopment and lower housing costs, but neighborhood choice matters.

What is the cost of living in Detroit?

Rents and home prices vary widely; median 1-bedroom rents are reported in the $700–$1,300 range by different indexes. Expect big variance by neighborhood and property condition.

Is Detroit safe?

Crime rates fell notably in 2024, including a significant drop in homicides, according to city and reporting data; however, safety varies by block, so it’s recommended to check local crime maps before moving.

Are there incentives to move to Detroit?

Yes, Detroit offers down-payment assistance programs, tax abatements, and rehab incentives (NEZ, brownfield, and developer programs) for qualifying projects.

What jobs are available in Detroit?

Strong in automotive/mobility, healthcare, finance, and an expanding tech/startup scene; major employers include automakers, health systems, and Rocket Companies.

Good luck with your move to Detroit, and be sure to check out our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.