Affording Detroit
“Detroit is a cheap place to live.” That’s one of the most persistent tropes about Michigan’s largest city, but basic expenses — from housing to transportation — are out of reach for many of its residents.
The idea that Detroit is affordable belies the experience of most of the city’s households — and makes it too easy for policymakers and power brokers to avoid helping Detroiters meet their challenges.
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Average child care costs in Detroit are higher than federal government recommends
For many Detroiters, tight budgets leave no wiggle room in school and child care decisions.
Paying too much just to keep the lights on
Many Detroiters are “energy burdened,” spending a significant portion of their monthly income on DTE electricity and gas bills.
Crime doesn’t explain why Detroit’s auto insurance rates are so high
Readers asked if car break-ins and thefts are to blame. So, we revisited our analysis.
Money or time: Transit in Detroit is expensive, one way or another
Living without a car may save some money, but Detroiters typically give up those savings, losing time and job opportunities.
Detroiters skip bills, go without basics — and still can’t make ends meet
More than a quarter of survey respondents said they fell behind on bills six months of the year or more.
‘Absolutely terrible’: Detroit housing market is bad for buyers, worse for renters
Many Detroiters struggle to find a home they can afford that’s in decent shape, according to Outlier Media’s survey.
Insurance reforms were supposed to bring relief. Detroit drivers are still paying more because of where they live
The average cost of auto insurance in Detroit is $5,300 a year, more than any other big city in the country.
