City Comparison
Devonport vs Bay City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bay City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Devonport
Bay City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bay City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
34% lower than in Devonport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Devonport's average rent is
89% higher than Bay City's.
| Metric | Devonport | Bay City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $950 | +89% |
| Groceries | $450 | $380 | +18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 | +3% |
| Transport | $120 | $110 | +9% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $230 | +9% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,845 | +52% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Devonport offers 25% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Devonport delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Devonport is estimated at
$55,000 vs $42,000 in Bay City.
| Metric | Devonport | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $52,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 61,176 idx |
| Household Income | $56,700 | $48,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Devonport runs warmer on average — a 6.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bay City comes out ahead with 14 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bay City sees 34.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Devonport | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.30°F | 48.80°F |
| Summer High | 55.60°F | 79.90°F |
| Winter Low | 54.00°F | 16.80°F |
| Rainfall | 34.10 in | 29.50 in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | 34.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 244 | 258 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bay City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Devonport.
Devonport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Devonport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Devonport | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bay City is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Devonport.
From a growth perspective, Devonport is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Devonport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Devonport | Bay City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,994 | 32,611 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | — |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 41.5 |
| Unemployment | 5.10% | 5.20% |
| GDP | $3.5B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Devonport
Advantages
Devonport was named Australia's Top Tourism Town in 2024, highlighting its appeal with stunning coastlines, diverse wildlife, and a vibrant arts scene.
The city is a vital transport hub, serving as the main terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries and having its own airport with regular flights to Melbourne.
Devonport's economy is diversified and growing, with key sectors including retail, health care, manufacturing, and freight, and its port economy is expanding faster than the state GDP.
Housing in Devonport remains relatively affordable compared to many mainland Australian cities, despite recent price growth, making it an attractive option for buyers.
The city is undergoing significant urban renewal and infrastructure development, positioning it as a growing regional hub for commerce and tourism.
Drawbacks
Crime rates in Devonport are considered medium, with property crime being the most common offense type, and specific areas require caution.
The rental market is experiencing significant pressure with very low vacancy rates and increasing rents, making it challenging for renters.
While housing is relatively affordable, the median household income in Devonport is below the national average, which can impact overall affordability for some residents.
Some sources suggest a perception of unfriendliness among residents and a less vibrant nightlife compared to larger cities.
The housing market is dominated by older detached houses, with limited options for apartments, which may not suit all preferences.
Bay City
Advantages
Median home prices in Bay City are significantly lower than the national average per recent housing market data.
Abundant waterfront access along the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay supports a strong boating and outdoor recreation culture.
Rich architectural heritage featuring expansive historic districts with preserved 19th-century Victorian homes.
Low overall cost of living indices allow residents to enjoy greater financial affordability on everyday goods and utilities.
Active downtown district featuring local dining, craft beverage makers, and community festivals.
Drawbacks
Cold, snowy winters require residents to adapt to significant seasonal snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Limited public transit infrastructure creates a high reliance on personal automobiles for daily transportation.
Job growth in certain traditional sectors has lagged behind larger metropolitan areas in Michigan.
Higher poverty rates in specific city neighborhoods compared to the broader suburban county areas.
Cooler spring and autumn shoulder seasons shorten the peak window for outdoor activities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Devonport
#17Tasmania, Australia
56.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
244/yr
Avg Temp
55.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Bay City
#401Michigan, USA
58.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
258/yr
Avg Temp
48.80°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
72
Business
65
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