Cost of Living in Chelsea, MI

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B+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Chelsea Michigan National
Cost of living11091100
Groceries9998100
Health care10097100
Housing13876100
Transportation9396100
Utilities96100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10396100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare10295100
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Homes For Sale In Chelsea, MI

property for sale

13593 E Old US Highway 12

Chelsea, MI
property for sale

608 Island Lake Rd

Chelsea, MI
property for sale

203 Lincoln St

Chelsea, MI
property for sale

190 Island Lake Rd

Chelsea, MI
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Chelsea, MI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chelsea is 21% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Chelsea is 10% higher than the national average
  • Chelsea housing is 38% 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 Chelsea

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Compare Chelsea, MI Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$149,107$12,426$3,479$4,474
      Renters$54,856$4,571$1,280$1,646
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Chelsea, MI, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Chelsea homeowners, is $149,107. This would allow for a maximum of $3,479 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $54,856 which would result in a maximum of $1,280 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Napoleon, MI9408218.2%
      Stockbridge, MI1,4608911.5%
      Brooklyn, MI1,1178910.6%
      Manchester, MI2,225946.4%
      Grass Lake, MI1,362954.8%
      Chelsea, MI5,56311010.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Paul Park, MN5,5621011.2%
      Cottonwood, CA5,56411616.3%
      Goshen, CA5,56011717.1%
      Cottleville, MO5,56611918.9%
      West Pleasant View, CO5,55912424.3%
      Chelsea, MI5,56311010.1%
      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.
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