Forbes’ “Most Affordable Cities” Ranks Detroit in Top Ten

Forbes has ranked Detroit as the nation’s tenth “Most Affordable City.”

Detroit Skyline 5

Sandra Svoboda/WDET

Detroit has been ranked tenth on Forbes’ list of “Most Affordable Cities,” with median costs for houses at $90,000.

But, Wayne State’s Urban Studies and Planning professor Robin Boyle says there are still some costs that can be hard to bear for residents.

Boyle says because of high insurance rates owning a car and running a household can be hard for Detroiters.

“Travel costs are also significant if you don’t have access to your own car, then getting around the city can be pricey. If you miss the bus then you are going to rely on taxis or Uber or something like that. Do that too regularly then you are driving up your travel to work costs,” Boyle says.

Boyle says these struggles affect both middle-class and lower-income families.

He says there are improvements being made to attract more residents and businesses to Detroit, but there is still a long way to go. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.