| Detroit | Santa Cruz | |
| 1 Summer dress in a chain store | USD 45.00 | USD 26.97 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, ...) for medium apartment | USD 232.19 | USD 89.89 |
| Coke bottle | USD 1.63 | USD 0.90 |
| Imported beer at restaurant | USD 3.50 | USD 1.80 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | USD 8.09 | USD 3.60 |