A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
0%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Ferndale Michigan National
Cost of living10089100
Goods & Services10293100
Groceries10399100
Health care10293100
Housing10074100
Transportation10097100
Utilities94101100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Ferndale, MI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Ferndale? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Ferndale stands at 100, making it 0% equal to the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Ferndale are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Ferndale can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Ferndale Affordable?

Wondering if Ferndale is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Ferndale, for example, the median home price is 3.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 8.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Ferndale boasting a median household income of $77,100, which is 39.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ferndale?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Ferndale, the groceries index is 3.4% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Ferndale, healthcare costs are 2.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Ferndale displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ferndale is 13% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Ferndale is equal to the national average
  • Ferndale housing is equal to the national average
  • Michigan general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Michigan state income tax is 88% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Ferndale

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Compare Ferndale, MI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$87,077$7,256$2,032$2,613
      Renters$50,533$4,211$1,179$1,516
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Ferndale, MI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Ferndale have a median income of $87,077. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,032 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $50,533, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,179.

      Michigan Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Michigan 6% 6%

      Michigan Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Michigan 4.25% 4.25%

      Goods & Services

      Item Ferndale National avg. Difference
      Haircut $16.80$24.2630.8%
      Beauty Salon $24.78$45.5645.6%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.13$1.2811.8%
      Movie $12.99$12.137.1%
      Bowling $12.33$18.0031.5%

      Groceries

      Item Ferndale National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.75$5.841.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.4%
      Milk $4.78$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $4.80$4.932.8%
      Pizza $8.99$12.0925.6%
      Beer $9.04$10.4113.2%

      Health Care

      Item Ferndale National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $85.00$125.6832.4%
      Doctor $103.33$135.7823.9%
      Dentist $91.00$113.2919.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.22$10.654.1%
      Lipitor $490.11$468.604.6%

      Housing

      Item Ferndale National avg. Difference
      Home Price $178,400.00$184,700.003.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,709.07$2,346.6927.2%
      Apartment Rent $1,032.00$949.008.7%

      Transportation

      Item Ferndale National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.35$3.463.1%
      Tire Balancing $56.00$59.926.5%

      Utilities

      Item Ferndale National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.20$193.9913.0%
      Phone $184.44$192.254.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      River Rouge, MI7,4658019.9%
      Highland Park, MI10,8188218.3%
      Ecorse, MI9,4568316.8%
      Detroit, MI672,3518415.5%
      Inkster, MI24,3988515.1%
      Ferndale, MI20,1391000.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Charleston, IL20,141918.9%
      Germantown, WI20,14211212.0%
      Albany, CA20,145206105.5%
      South St. Paul, MN20,1321000.3%
      Cocoa, FL20,151919.1%
      Ferndale, MI20,1391000.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.