A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Auburn Hills Michigan National
Cost of living9891100
Groceries9698100
Health care9997100
Housing10376100
Transportation9596100
Utilities102100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9496100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9395100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Auburn Hills, MI

The cost of living in Auburn Hills affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Auburn Hills is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

Is Auburn Hills Affordable?

Is Auburn Hills an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Auburn Hills is 5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Auburn Hills has a median household income of $100,431, which is 23.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Auburn Hills?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Auburn Hills, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 4.25%.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Auburn Hills, healthcare costs are 1.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Auburn Hills cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Auburn Hills is 8% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Auburn Hills is 2% lower than the national average
  • Auburn Hills housing is 3% higher than the national average
  • Michigan general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Michigan state income tax is 64% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Auburn Hills

See all the best places to live around Auburn Hills

Compare Auburn Hills, MI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$124,111$10,343$2,896$3,724
      Renters$91,850$7,654$2,143$2,756
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Auburn Hills is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Auburn Hills has a median income of about $124,111 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,896 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $91,850. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,143 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pontiac, MI61,7648416.2%
      Center Line, MI8,3988614.0%
      Hazel Park, MI16,8458712.7%
      Warren, MI139,183937.4%
      Madison Heights, MI31,139936.7%
      Auburn Hills, MI24,586981.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Corsicana, TX24,5748712.7%
      Foothills No. 31, AB24,563n/a 
      Fresno, TX24,5611087.9%
      Centerville, OH24,550981.7%
      Sugar Hill, GA24,63711111.0%
      Auburn Hills, MI24,586981.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.