Detroit is the most expensive US city to own a new car, according to a report by a “a management consultant specializing in transportation reimbursement.” (Talk about boutique consulting!) A 2005 Ford Taurus sedan driven 15,000 miles will cost $11,114 and Detroit and $10,016 in Los Angeles, the runner-up.

By contrast, $11,114 could buy:
– 5,557 linked CTA rides, at $2 per ride (including two transfers). At 94 minutes per ride, that many rides would take the entire year to complete.
– 295.5 cab rides across Chicago, at $2 flag pull, $1.60 per mile, and 23.5 miles across town via Western. Alternatively, one could commute halfway across town by cab every workday.
– Quite a nice vacation for two: from Detroit to Fiji, plus 40 nights’ deluxe seaside accommodation. Or, if you prefer wandering, two round-the-world tickets, with 24 stops. (Lodging extra.)
– $172,600 in housing, assuming a 30-year mortgage at 5%.
– One heck of a bicycle.