A+
20%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
62%
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 Highland Park Michigan National
Cost of living8091100
Groceries9898100
Health care9997100
Housing3876100
Transportation9396100
Utilities102100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9896100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9795100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Highland Park, MI

Understanding the cost of living in Highland Park 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 Highland Park cost of living index is 80, which is 20% 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 Highland Park is highly regarded for its affordability, with everyday expenses well below the national average. Highland Park is among the select few cities with a cost of living index at least 20% lower than the national average, showcasing its outstanding affordability compared to other areas.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Highland Park distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 62.3% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Highland Park can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Highland Park Affordable?

Wondering if Highland Park 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 Highland Park, for example, the median home price is 71.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 40% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Highland Park boasting a median household income of $30,940, which is 62% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Highland Park?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Highland Park, healthcare costs are 1.2% lower than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Highland Park, the housing index is 62.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Highland Park cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Highland Park is 12% lower than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Highland Park is 20% lower than the national average
  • Highland Park housing is 62% 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 Highland Park

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Compare Highland Park, 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$64,940$5,412$1,515$1,948
      Renters$18,903$1,575$441$567
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Highland Park, 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 Highland Park homeowners, is $64,940. This would allow for a maximum of $1,515 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $18,903 which would result in a maximum of $441 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.
      River Rouge, MI7,7567921.5%
      Ecorse, MI9,6848218.3%
      Detroit, MI692,0448217.6%
      Inkster, MI25,3338217.5%
      Hamtramck, MI22,1998416.2%
      Highland Park, MI11,0568020.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Taylorville, IL11,0598613.9%
      Timonium, MD11,05113433.6%
      Fairview, CA11,06218888.2%
      Marieville, QC11,065n/a 
      Newport, OR11,06611817.5%
      Highland Park, MI11,0568020.3%
      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.