Cost of Living in Michigan
Michigan has 50 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Grand Rapids (cost index 94.1) to Roseville (109.9), with a statewide average around 98.3 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Bay City at $739/mo and highest in Forest Hills at $1,950/mo.
Michigan at a Glance
Cities Tracked
50
with census data
Avg Cost Index
98.3
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,171
per month
Avg Household Income
$68,867
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | 94.1 | $1,191 |
| Kentwood | 94.1 | $1,205 |
| Detroit | 96.3 | $1,034 |
| Warren | 96.3 | $1,184 |
| Dearborn | 96.3 | $1,264 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Michigan
State Income Tax
4.25%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Michigan
Michigan Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Detroit | 636,644 | 96.3 | $1,034 | $76,800 | $39,575 |
| Grand Rapids | 197,768 | 94.1 | $1,191 | $225,500 | $65,526 |
| Warren | 138,128 | 96.3 | $1,184 | $181,900 | $63,741 |
| Sterling Heights | 133,473 | — | $1,267 | $260,700 | $78,429 |
| Ann Arbor | 121,179 | 97.9 | $1,552 | $435,100 | $81,089 |
| Lansing | 112,546 | — | $976 | $119,400 | $52,170 |
| Dearborn | 107,846 | 96.3 | $1,264 | $205,900 | $65,192 |
| Livonia | 94,058 | — | $1,284 | $265,300 | $96,317 |
| Troy | 87,307 | 96.6 | $1,557 | $396,800 | $119,299 |
| Westland | 84,155 | — | $1,113 | $176,500 | $62,216 |
| Farmington Hills | 83,316 | — | $1,475 | $333,200 | $101,863 |
| Flint | 80,835 | — | $859 | $47,600 | $36,194 |
| Wyoming | 76,865 | — | $1,141 | $203,900 | $72,163 |
| Rochester Hills | 76,086 | — | $1,606 | $377,400 | $119,054 |
| Southfield | 76,025 | — | $1,301 | $226,900 | $65,848 |
| Kalamazoo | 73,132 | — | $1,031 | $164,500 | $48,965 |
| Novi | 66,224 | — | $1,696 | $399,100 | $110,938 |
| Taylor | 62,405 | — | $1,036 | $141,200 | $59,537 |
| Dearborn Heights | 62,099 | — | $1,260 | $174,900 | $61,035 |
| Pontiac | 61,914 | — | $1,007 | $110,600 | $42,791 |
| St. Clair Shores | 58,287 | — | $1,143 | $196,400 | $72,693 |
| Royal Oak | 57,880 | — | $1,335 | $305,900 | $95,182 |
| Kentwood | 54,114 | 94.1 | $1,205 | $249,000 | $73,647 |
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | — | $934 | $127,600 | $51,699 |
| Portage | 49,015 | — | $1,120 | $243,400 | $79,529 |
| Roseville | 47,240 | 109.9 | $1,175 | $142,700 | $61,222 |
| East Lansing | 45,394 | — | $1,122 | $251,600 | $43,547 |
| Saginaw | 43,879 | — | $909 | $54,000 | $37,298 |
| Midland | 42,461 | 102.9 | $990 | $192,400 | $74,906 |
| Lincoln Park | 39,511 | — | $972 | $117,400 | $57,183 |
| Muskegon | 37,203 | — | $927 | $121,800 | $46,342 |
| Holland | 34,266 | — | $1,143 | $235,800 | $72,905 |
| Eastpointe | 34,003 | — | $1,335 | $129,100 | $58,196 |
| Bay City | 32,445 | — | $739 | $89,900 | $47,904 |
| Jackson | 31,206 | 98.5 | $874 | $94,700 | $42,848 |
| Southgate | 29,551 | — | $1,102 | $165,400 | $64,635 |
| Burton | 29,529 | — | $1,006 | $131,200 | $57,767 |
| Oak Park | 29,370 | — | $1,354 | $198,500 | $65,882 |
| Port Huron | 28,724 | — | $972 | $136,000 | $49,377 |
| Forest Hills | 28,494 | — | $1,950 | $474,800 | $156,618 |
| Madison Heights | 28,411 | — | $1,138 | $190,300 | $66,726 |
| Allen Park | 28,128 | — | $1,181 | $174,500 | $80,045 |
| Hamtramck | 27,830 | — | $907 | $116,400 | $40,103 |
| Garden City | 26,910 | — | $991 | $162,400 | $64,396 |
| Allendale | 25,741 | — | $1,081 | $287,600 | $68,449 |
| Inkster | 25,602 | — | $1,127 | $75,700 | $39,632 |
| Okemos | 25,503 | — | $1,250 | $336,800 | $97,603 |
| Holt | 25,275 | — | $1,323 | $213,200 | $87,827 |
| Walker | 25,201 | — | $1,121 | $266,400 | $73,835 |
| Norton Shores | 25,000 | — | $1,286 | $214,000 | $73,390 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Michigan cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Michigan cities stack up across the US. For example, Detroit vs Grand Rapids.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Michigan
What is the cost of living in Michigan?
The average cost of living index across cities in Michigan is approximately 98.3 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,171/month and median household income averages around $68,867/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Michigan?
The most affordable cities in Michigan by cost of living index are: 1. Grand Rapids (index 94.1), 2. Kentwood (index 94.1), 3. Detroit (index 96.3).
What is the median rent in Michigan?
The average median gross rent across cities in Michigan is approximately $1,171/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Michigan?
Michigan's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.25%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Michigan?
Michigan's statewide sales tax rate is 6.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Michigan?
Michigan has a cost of living index of approximately 98.3 and average median rent around $1,171/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology