Essentials
- City
- Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Population
- Approximately 630,000 (City), 4.3 million (Metro)
- Internet Speed
- High (Avg 200-500 Mbps via Xfinity or AT&T Fiber)
- Currency & Banking
- United States Dollar ($ USD). Major banks: Chase, Huntington, Ally (Digital)
- Tap Water
- Drinkable (Managed by GLWA, high quality)
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets
- SIM Card
- T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T. Prepaid eSims available via Airalo
- Banking for Expats
- Chase (Easy local setup), Revolut, Wise
- Accommodation
- The Mint House, Sonder (The Randolph), Airbnb
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, cards and Apple/Google Pay accepted everywhere
- Short Term Rentals
- Landing (flexible leases), Blueground, Airbnb
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostel Detroit (North Corktown) - approx. $45/night
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Downtown (near Campus Martius) or Midtown (near DIA)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Corktown (trendy bars/cafes) or West Village (neighborhood feel)
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Bamboo Detroit ($25 day pass, 1420 Washington Blvd)
- Best Cafe for Work
- Anthology Coffee (1914 Division St), Roasting Plant (600 Woodward)
- Networking Events
- Detroit Startup Week, New Economy Initiative events
- Social Events for Expats
- Detroit Young Professionals (DYP), Internations Detroit group
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Uber, Lyft (Widely available)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- MoGo Bike Share ($18/day pass), Lime, Spin scooters
- Best Beach Nearby
- Belle Isle Beach (15 mins from Downtown)
- Top Regional Airline
- Delta Air Lines (Major hub at DTW)
- Top International Airline
- Lufthansa, Air France, Delta
- Highway Access
- I-75 (Chrysler), I-94 (Ford), M-10 (Lodge)
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Amtrak Detroit Station (Midtown), Rosa Parks Transit Center
- Public Transport Passes
- Dart App ($5 day pass for DDOT/SMART buses and QLine)
- Regional Travel
- Amtrak Wolverine line to Chicago ($40-$60)
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Henry Ford Hospital (2799 W Grand Blvd)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Citizen Yoga Detroit (1224 Library St)
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Detroit Athletic Club (Exclusive), YMCA Boll Family Center
- Laundry Services
- The Laundry Shop ($1.50/lb wash & fold, 19140 Livernois)
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Detroit-Style Pizza (Buddy's), Coney Island Hot Dog (Lafayette)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Seva Detroit (60 E Ferry St), Chili Mustard Onions
- Best Dessert Spots
- Astoria Pastry Shop (Greektown), Sister Pie (West Village)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Eastern Market (Saturdays), Meijer (Rivertown)
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon (Prime Same-Day available)
- Grocery Delivery
- Instacart, Whole Foods via Amazon
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The Belt, Greektown, Corktown (Michigan Ave)
- Local Brewery
- Atwater Brewery, Founders Brewing Co. Taproom
- Wine Bars
- The Royce Detroit (8000 Kercheval), MotorCity Wine
- Street Food Stalls
- Detroit Shipping Company (Food Hall, 474 Peterboro St)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Baobab Fare (East African), Yemen Cafe (Hamtramck)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- The Guardian Building, Renaissance Center, Motown Museum
- Museums & Art Venues
- Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), MOCAD
- Historical Sites
- The Henry Ford (Dearborn), Michigan Central Station
- Religious Sites
- Ste. Anne de Detroit, St. Aloysius Church
- Annual Events
- Movement Electronic Music Festival (May), North American International Auto Show
- Cultural Districts
- Greektown, Mexicantown, Avenue of Fashion
- Theater Venues
- Fox Theatre, Fisher Theatre, Detroit Opera House
- Local Markets
- Eastern Market (Historic large-scale food market)
- Music Scene
- Saint Andrew's Hall, Marble Bar, TV Lounge (Techno)
- Street Art
- The Belt (Alley art), Murals in the Market (Eastern Market)
- Cooking Classes
- Mirepoix Cooking School (Royal Oak)
- Art Galleries
- Library Street Collective, Wasserman Projects
- Historic Buildings
- Fisher Building, Penobscot Building
- Local Heritage
- Techno music origins, Automotive 'Motor City' history
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Belle Isle Park (State Park in Detroit River)
- National Parks Nearby
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio, 2.5 hrs)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Detroit Riverwalk (ranked #1 in USA), Dequindre Cut
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Top of the Renaissance Center (Coach Insignia view)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Campus Martius Park (Seasonal fire pits)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- FedEx Office Ship Center, UPS Store (Midtown)
- Tech Repair Services
- Apple Twelve Oaks, Detroit Phone Repair
- Table Tennis Spots
- Drive Table Tennis Social Club (Downtown)
- Language Classes
- Wayne State University Extension programs
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Detroit Public Library Main Branch (5201 Woodward)
- Community Centers
- Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO)
- Gaming Lounges
- Ready Player One (Arcade bar)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $192,000 in Downtown luxury lofts)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $84,000 in outer neighborhoods)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $270,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $336,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 21% Federal + 6% Michigan Corporate Income Tax
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0% for residents (taxed as income), 30% for non-residents (treaty dependent)
- Tax System
- Citizenship-based/Resident Worldwide income basis
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 37% Federal + 4.25% Michigan + 1.2% - 2.4% Detroit City Tax
- VAT
- 6% Michigan Sales Tax (No VAT)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, strict rules (GILTI/Subpart F)
- Property Tax
- Approx. 2% - 3% of assessed value annually
- Property Transaction Tax
- Real Estate Transfer Tax: $0.75 per $500 (County) + $3.75 per $500 (State)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) up to $120,000 for US citizens abroad