A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
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 Fenton Michigan National
Cost of living9591100
Groceries9998100
Health care9397100
Housing9476100
Transportation9296100
Utilities97100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9796100
Household Items9498100
Education & Childcare9095100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fenton, MI

Understanding the cost of living in Fenton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Fenton cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Fenton is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Fenton Affordable?

Wondering if Fenton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Fenton, for example, the median home price is 13.2% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fenton boasting a median household income of $92,703, which is 14% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fenton?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Fenton, the transportation index is 7.6% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Fenton, the utilities index registers 3.2% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Fenton, is 5.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fenton 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 Fenton is 4% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Fenton is 5% lower than the national average
  • Fenton housing is 6% 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 Fenton

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Compare Fenton, 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$120,781$10,065$2,818$3,624
      Renters$68,756$5,730$1,604$2,063
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Fenton, MI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Fenton, the median monthly income is $120,781 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,818 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $68,756, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,604 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Durand, MI3,4148316.6%
      Gaines, MI4368415.8%
      Burton, MI29,1818514.8%
      Lennon, MI4448614.4%
      Byron, MI5908713.2%
      Fenton, MI11,776955.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Chino Valley, AZ11,77611110.7%
      Emmaus, PA11,7761043.9%
      River Edge, NJ11,77115151.3%
      Cantley, QC11,767n/a 
      Wakefield, VA11,78717372.9%
      Fenton, MI11,776955.3%
      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.