Average Cost Of Living In Michigan And Breakdown By City
Carey Chesney4-Minute Read
December 04, 2020
When it comes to the cost of living in Michigan, a lot of factors come together to show why it’s such a great – and affordable – place to live. Sand dunes leading into the Great Lakes, incredible wooded trails, vibrant urban centers and epic sunsets are hard to put a dollar value on, but there are a number of other categories we can monetize and review to show you why it makes financial sense to move to Michigan.
Cost Of Living Defined
To put it simply, cost of living is the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food and health care in a certain place and time period. Let’s summarize and explain the key factors that go into determining cost of living.
- Housing: How expensive the average home costs, what most people pay for monthly rent, property taxes, etc.
- Groceries: The average cost of a number of grocery staples (coffee, sugar, bread, potatoes, etc.).
- Health: The average costs of health care services as well as the availability of those services.
- Transportation: Access to affordable public and private transportation.
Average Cost Of Living In Michigan
Keep in mind that the cost of living index we are discussing is based on a national average score of 100. Michigan has a pretty low cost of living overall, coming in at 89, which means the cost of living in Michigan is 11% below the national average.
The Stats:
- Median home price: $151,400
- Median household income: $49,087
- Groceries: 93.4 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 86 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 115.1 Cost of Living Index Score
Cost Of Living In Michigan By City
Now that you have a snapshot of the state, let’s take a closer look at some of the top real estate cities in Michigan.
Ann Arbor
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is one of Michigan’s most desirable cities. In fact, it is often mentioned on lists compiling the best places to live in the country.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 117.5
- Median Home Price: $379,600
- Median Income: $56,835
- Groceries: 102.6 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 86 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 115.1 Cost of Living Index Score
Ann Arbor Real Estate Listings
Detroit
The largest city in Michigan sits on the Detroit River and represents a buzzing metropolis full of action. Known for its rich musical and automotive history, Detroit is often referred to as The Motor City or Motown.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 87.6
- Median Home Price: $53,700
- Medium Income: $26,095
- Groceries: 89 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 84.3 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 178.3 Cost of Living Index Score
West Bloomfield
Located in southeast Michigan, West Bloomfield is sometimes referred to as the “lake township of Oakland County” due to its abundance of small and medium-sized lakes.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 116.5
- Median Home Price: $318,300
- Median Income: $90,317
- Groceries: 100.5 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 81.4 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 125 Cost of Living Index Score
West Bloomfield Real Estate Listings
Grand Rapids
The second-largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids is located in the west central part of the state, roughly 30 miles east of Lake Michigan.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 87.8
- Median Home Price: $164,900
- Medium Income: $39,913
- Groceries: 95.2 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 83.4 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 95.1 Cost of Living Index Score
Grand Rapids Real Estate Listings
Royal Oak
Developed as a suburb of Detroit in the early 20th century following Detroit's booming growth in the auto industry, Royal Oak is often referred to as “the city of trees.”
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 104.6
- Median Home Price: $247,100
- Medium Income: $64,873
- Groceries: 98.4 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 81.4 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 113.9 Cost of Living Index Score
Holland
Situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa, tulips and sandy beaches contribute to Holland’s small-town charm.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 90.6
- Median Home Price: $198,400
- Medium Income: $44,619
- Groceries: 95.6 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 87.1 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 87.8 Cost of Living Index Score
Dearborn
Considered part of the Detroit metropolitan area, Dearborn is the eighth-largest city in the state.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score:
- Median Home Price: $142,700
- Medium Income: $46,776
- Groceries: 95.1 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 84.3 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 149.7 Cost of Living Index Score
Canton
Known as the "Sweet Corn Capitol of Michigan," Canton is nestled equidistant between Detroit and Ann Arbor.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 108.1
- Median Home Price:$270,900
- Medium Income: $82,243
- Groceries: 99.2 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 84.3 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 125.8 Cost of Living Index Score
Lansing
Home to the state capitol, Lansing is situated on the banks of Michigan's Grand River.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 76.5
- Median Home Price: $86,300
- Medium Income: $35,675
- Groceries: 91.1 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 83.6 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 94.8 Cost of Living Index Score
Sterling Heights
With a dense suburban feel, Sterling Heights is the second largest suburb in Metro Detroit and the fourth-largest city in Michigan.
The Stats:
- Overall Cost of Living Score: 101.4
- Median Home Price: $209,600
- Medium Income: $58,800
- Groceries: 96.9 Cost of Living Index Score
- Health: 82.1 Cost of Living Index Score
- Transportation: 132.3 Cost of Living Index Score
The Bottom Line On Michigan Cost Of Living
To sum it up, the Great Lakes State is a ... well ... great place to live when it comes to cost of living. Looking to relocate to Michigan? You can start your search by working with a Rocket HomesSM Verified Partner Agent.
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Carey Chesney
Carey Chesney brings a wealth of real estate sales and marketing experience to his buyers and sellers as they navigate highly competitive markets. Carey and his wife Ilze work together as Realtors® in Michigan.