A+
21%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
59%
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 Benton Heights Michigan National
Cost of living7991100
Groceries9598100
Health care9897100
Housing4176100
Transportation9396100
Utilities97100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9496100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9695100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Benton Heights is 13% lower than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Benton Heights is 21% lower than the national average
  • Benton Heights housing is 59% lower 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 Benton Heights

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Compare Benton Heights, MI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$52,544$4,379$1,226$1,576
      Renters$20,573$1,714$480$617
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Benton Heights 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. Benton Heights has a median income of about $52,544 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,226 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $20,573. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $480 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.
      Benton Harbor, MI10,0598019.9%
      Hartford, MI2,6518415.9%
      Watervliet, MI2,1608415.6%
      Fair Plain, MI7,3628712.7%
      Coloma, MI1,3468812.0%
      Benton Heights, MI4,3087920.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Red Rock, AZ4,3081054.6%
      Oakwood, GA4,308964.0%
      Aumsville, OR4,30811010.2%
      Waverly, OH4,3078911.4%
      Tiptonville, TN4,3068217.9%
      Benton Heights, MI4,3087920.7%
      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.