Michigan Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 83 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$873/mo
Average Home Value
$182,224
Average Owner Cost
$902/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in Michigan: An Overview
The median rent in Michigan is $873 per month, which is 25% below the national median of $1,163. This makes the state relatively affordable compared to much of the country.
Within Michigan, housing costs vary significantly by county. Washtenaw County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,400 per month and a median home value of $353,000. At the other end of the spectrum, Iron County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $510 per month and homes valued at a median of $101,500.
The average home value across Michigan counties is $182,224, 35% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $64,304, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to Michigan, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Michigan
How median rents are spread across 83 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All Michigan Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washtenaw County | Moderate$1,400/mo | $353,000 | $1,612/mo | 32.0% |
| Oakland County | Moderate$1,319/mo | $320,400 | $1,483/mo | 27.0% |
| Livingston County | Moderate$1,236/mo | $331,100 | $1,502/mo | 28.0% |
| Leelanau County | Moderate$1,223/mo | $406,900 | $1,199/mo | 25.0% |
| Grand Traverse County | Moderate$1,215/mo | $296,200 | $1,170/mo | 30.0% |
| Kent County | Moderate$1,176/mo | $265,700 | $1,181/mo | 29.0% |
| Macomb County | Moderate$1,175/mo | $231,400 | $1,191/mo | 30.0% |
| Ottawa County | Moderate$1,148/mo | $291,200 | $1,227/mo | 28.0% |
| Wayne County | Moderate$1,087/mo | $170,200 | $990/mo | 32.0% |
| Allegan County | Moderate$1,065/mo | $247,000 | $1,082/mo | 28.0% |
| Ingham County | Moderate$1,058/mo | $187,500 | $1,161/mo | 31.0% |
| Kalamazoo County | Moderate$1,049/mo | $227,500 | $1,162/mo | 29.0% |
| Eaton County | Moderate$1,042/mo | $206,700 | $1,139/mo | 25.0% |
| Clinton County | Moderate$1,039/mo | $243,700 | $1,202/mo | 26.0% |
| Emmet County | Moderate$1,033/mo | $275,300 | $1,081/mo | 26.0% |
| Monroe County | Moderate$1,017/mo | $215,700 | $1,119/mo | 31.0% |
| St. Clair County | Affordable$999/mo | $213,900 | $1,007/mo | 32.0% |
| Benzie County | Affordable$974/mo | $254,400 | $1,035/mo | 27.0% |
| Midland County | Affordable$974/mo | $184,300 | $1,003/mo | 30.0% |
| Lenawee County | Affordable$965/mo | $181,100 | $1,019/mo | 29.0% |
| Muskegon County | Affordable$960/mo | $180,900 | $917/mo | 29.0% |
| Lapeer County | Affordable$959/mo | $229,100 | $1,105/mo | 30.0% |
| Jackson County | Affordable$958/mo | $182,900 | $946/mo | 29.0% |
| Barry County | Affordable$955/mo | $243,700 | $1,095/mo | 26.0% |
| Calhoun County | Affordable$937/mo | $151,500 | $918/mo | 29.0% |
| Genesee County | Affordable$936/mo | $172,900 | $992/mo | 31.0% |
| Charlevoix County | Affordable$929/mo | $242,800 | $1,081/mo | 28.0% |
| Berrien County | Affordable$923/mo | $211,400 | $987/mo | 29.0% |
| Marquette County | Affordable$923/mo | $202,000 | $873/mo | 31.0% |
| Saginaw County | Affordable$921/mo | $139,400 | $830/mo | 32.0% |
| Antrim County | Affordable$920/mo | $222,500 | $952/mo | 25.0% |
| Branch County | Affordable$900/mo | $147,500 | $837/mo | 25.0% |
| Newaygo County | Affordable$882/mo | $178,300 | $868/mo | 28.0% |
| Otsego County | Affordable$880/mo | $196,500 | $971/mo | 31.0% |
| Wexford County | Affordable$877/mo | $160,300 | $885/mo | 29.0% |
| Shiawassee County | Affordable$876/mo | $164,600 | $947/mo | 29.0% |
| Cass County | Affordable$870/mo | $205,200 | $995/mo | 28.0% |
| Mecosta County | Affordable$867/mo | $169,900 | $782/mo | 31.0% |
| Montcalm County | Affordable$867/mo | $172,100 | $908/mo | 27.0% |
| Isabella County | Affordable$863/mo | $165,100 | $931/mo | 32.0% |
| Lake County | Affordable$863/mo | $122,900 | $729/mo | 32.0% |
| Van Buren County | Affordable$845/mo | $189,900 | $1,000/mo | 29.0% |
| Ionia County | Affordable$840/mo | $189,400 | $1,000/mo | 28.0% |
| Mason County | Affordable$840/mo | $199,300 | $863/mo | 28.0% |
| Missaukee County | Affordable$838/mo | $163,700 | $868/mo | 30.0% |
| Ogemaw County | Affordable$828/mo | $138,600 | $702/mo | 37.0% |
| Crawford County | Affordable$825/mo | $149,900 | $763/mo | 28.0% |
| St. Joseph County | Affordable$825/mo | $167,600 | $875/mo | 24.0% |
| Cheboygan County | Affordable$822/mo | $175,200 | $793/mo | 30.0% |
| Manistee County | Affordable$820/mo | $166,600 | $784/mo | 33.0% |
| Sanilac County | Affordable$814/mo | $162,200 | $786/mo | 28.0% |
| Montmorency County | Affordable$811/mo | $142,000 | $705/mo | 39.0% |
| Bay County | Affordable$809/mo | $135,100 | $825/mo | 27.0% |
| Gratiot County | Affordable$808/mo | $136,800 | $912/mo | 30.0% |
| Hillsdale County | Affordable$801/mo | $170,500 | $850/mo | 27.0% |
| Luce County | Affordable$799/mo | $110,400 | $685/mo | 31.0% |
| Tuscola County | Affordable$796/mo | $136,900 | $793/mo | 26.0% |
| Chippewa County | Affordable$793/mo | $153,100 | $805/mo | 28.0% |
| Alcona County | Affordable$790/mo | $157,500 | $686/mo | 28.0% |
| Roscommon County | Affordable$789/mo | $148,000 | $634/mo | 31.0% |
| Oceana County | Affordable$768/mo | $167,600 | $836/mo | 26.0% |
| Houghton County | Affordable$767/mo | $140,300 | $752/mo | 32.0% |
| Kalkaska County | Affordable$767/mo | $174,300 | $866/mo | 29.0% |
| Osceola County | Affordable$764/mo | $139,600 | $761/mo | 26.0% |
| Mackinac County | Affordable$761/mo | $165,600 | $766/mo | 22.0% |
| Dickinson County | Affordable$744/mo | $130,300 | $750/mo | 27.0% |
| Clare County | Affordable$743/mo | $117,400 | $706/mo | 29.0% |
| Huron County | Affordable$743/mo | $141,300 | $688/mo | 25.0% |
| Arenac County | Affordable$741/mo | $129,000 | $709/mo | 28.0% |
| Alger County | Affordable$712/mo | $165,700 | $766/mo | 22.0% |
| Delta County | Affordable$698/mo | $146,800 | $762/mo | 26.0% |
| Gladwin County | Affordable$689/mo | $153,200 | $794/mo | 28.0% |
| Keweenaw County | Affordable$679/mo | $181,400 | $686/mo | 23.0% |
| Menominee County | Affordable$675/mo | $142,700 | $664/mo | 26.0% |
| Oscoda County | Affordable$675/mo | $126,000 | $684/mo | 24.0% |
| Alpena County | Affordable$660/mo | $137,800 | $681/mo | 28.0% |
| Iosco County | Affordable$659/mo | $122,900 | $629/mo | 27.0% |
| Schoolcraft County | Affordable$654/mo | $123,500 | $660/mo | 32.0% |
| Presque Isle County | Affordable$625/mo | $135,200 | $676/mo | 28.0% |
| Gogebic County | Affordable$577/mo | $99,700 | $660/mo | 29.0% |
| Ontonagon County | Affordable$571/mo | $101,000 | $570/mo | 27.0% |
| Baraga County | Affordable$557/mo | $124,400 | $721/mo | 20.0% |
| Iron County | Affordable$510/mo | $101,500 | $661/mo | 30.0% |
Compare Michigan to Other States
See how Michigan counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Michigan Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in Michigan?
What is the most expensive county to live in Michigan?
How does Michigan's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Michigan?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.