A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
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 Cadillac Michigan National
Cost of living8491100
Groceries9998100
Health care9697100
Housing5376100
Transportation9496100
Utilities99100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9596100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare10095100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cadillac, MI

Knowing the cost of living in Cadillac allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Cadillac stands at 84, marking it 16% lower than the national average.

Cadillac housing costs are 47.2% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Cadillac residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Cadillac?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 7 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Cadillac. The results indicated that 57% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 43% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Cadillac Affordable?

Is Cadillac affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Cadillac, for instance, where the median home price falls 54.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 31.2% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Cadillac flaunting a median household income of $61,043, 24.9% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cadillac?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Cadillac, the transportation index is 5.8% lower than the national average.

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 Cadillac, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 4.25%.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Cadillac, the groceries index registers 1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Cadillac shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cadillac is 7% lower than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Cadillac is 16% lower than the national average
  • Cadillac housing is 47% 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 Cadillac

See all the best places to live around Cadillac

Compare Cadillac, 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$79,706$6,642$1,860$2,391
      Renters$35,200$2,933$821$1,056
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Cadillac, 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 Cadillac have a median income of $79,706. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,860 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $35,200, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $821.

      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.
      Haring, MI3727722.5%
      Jennings, MI2588020.4%
      Marion, MI8698118.6%
      McBain, MI7448218.1%
      Harrietta, MI2288217.6%
      Cadillac, MI10,8418415.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      South Yarmouth, MA10,84113332.5%
      Mount Sinai, NY10,84115252.4%
      Worth, IL10,8401000.4%
      Sweetwater, TX10,8388416.5%
      Burley, ID10,837937.0%
      Cadillac, MI10,8418415.9%
      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.