A
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
4%
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 East Lansing Michigan National
Cost of living9789100
Goods & Services9093100
Groceries9599100
Health care9493100
Housing10474100
Transportation9597100
Utilities102101100

An Overview of Cost of Living in East Lansing, MI

Knowing the cost of living in East Lansing 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 East Lansing stands at 97, marking it 3% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in East Lansing aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. East Lansing residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is East Lansing Affordable?

Is East Lansing affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in East Lansing, the median home price is 5.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 2.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with East Lansing boasting a median household income of $40,800, 26.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in East Lansing?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In East Lansing, the transportation index is 5.1% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In East Lansing, the housing index is 4.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in East Lansing 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 East Lansing is 8% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in East Lansing is 3% lower than the national average
  • East Lansing housing is 4% 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 East Lansing

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Compare East Lansing, 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$112,642$9,387$2,628$3,380
      Renters$23,897$1,991$558$717
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in East Lansing, 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 East Lansing have a median income of $112,642. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,628 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $23,897, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $558.

      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 East Lansing National avg. Difference
      Haircut $24.53$24.261.1%
      Beauty Salon $56.27$45.5623.5%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.8%
      Shampoo $1.40$1.289.1%
      Movie $11.22$12.137.5%
      Bowling $22.17$18.0023.1%

      Groceries

      Item East Lansing National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.51$5.845.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.69$1.577.7%
      Milk $4.84$4.673.6%
      Potatoes $4.77$4.933.3%
      Pizza $10.99$12.099.1%
      Beer $9.38$10.419.9%

      Health Care

      Item East Lansing National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $91.40$125.6827.3%
      Doctor $139.14$135.782.5%
      Dentist $120.35$113.296.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.88$10.652.1%
      Lipitor $504.80$468.607.7%

      Housing

      Item East Lansing National avg. Difference
      Home Price $194,100.00$184,700.005.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,520.64$2,346.697.4%
      Apartment Rent $969.00$949.002.1%

      Transportation

      Item East Lansing National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.2%
      Tire Balancing $60.57$59.921.1%

      Utilities

      Item East Lansing National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $180.47$193.997.0%
      Phone $184.98$192.253.8%
      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.
      Lansing, MI117,4888416.5%
      Potterville, MI2,7318416.4%
      Edgemont Park, MI2,4138614.4%
      Perry, MI2,248918.5%
      Mason, MI8,441909.7%
      East Lansing, MI48,437973.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saginaw, MI48,4078217.8%
      Antelope, CA48,46813333.4%
      Palm Springs, CA48,39013434.0%
      Tuckahoe, VA48,51712020.4%
      Ceres, CA48,35512222.0%
      East Lansing, MI48,437973.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.