How high is the cost of living in LA compared to that of Detroit?

I've lived in both! Basically, you should expect to pay almost twice as much in rent, depending on which part of town you live. I can't even imagine buying a house! Your electric bill will probably be higher during summer, but you'll pay less in the winter (you won't need heat). Other things like groceries are a little more expensive here, but not enough to worry about.

Oh, it'll cost a lot more to drive here. Registering your car alone is a huge expense, especially if your car is new. In Michigan, the state almost pays YOU to drive!

According to homefair.com, cost of living in LA is about half again the cost of living in Detroit.

depends on how you live and where you live. it can be about the same if you are frugal and live in certain places, or it can be more than twice as much if you need to buy a big house and stuff

Be prepared to pay a lot for something in a decent area and decent size.

1,200 for a 1 bedroom apartment in hollywood, not nice though

Well I would think it would be somewhat more expensive..