A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
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 Kentwood Michigan National
Cost of living9691100
Groceries9698100
Health care9597100
Housing9476100
Transportation9696100
Utilities100100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10096100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9395100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kentwood, MI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Kentwood? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Kentwood stands at 96, making it 4% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Kentwood 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 Kentwood Affordable?

Is Kentwood an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Kentwood, the median home price is 8.7% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 0.9% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Kentwood come in at $82,520, which is 1.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kentwood?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Kentwood, the transportation index stands at 4.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Kentwood, the housing index comes in at 6.4% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

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

See all the best places to live around Kentwood

Compare Kentwood, MI Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities 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$111,089$9,257$2,592$3,333
      Renters$55,749$4,646$1,301$1,673
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Kentwood, MI, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Kentwood, homeowners have a median income of $111,089. Using that number, a maximum of $2,592 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $55,749, which means there is a maximum of $1,301 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Wayland, MI4,349918.6%
      Wyoming, MI78,208927.7%
      Coopersville, MI4,554945.9%
      Middleville, MI3,582946.3%
      Comstock Park, MI11,032954.8%
      Kentwood, MI53,236964.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Levittown, NY53,19114444.0%
      Oak Park, IL53,29512727.1%
      Brandon, MB53,334n/a 
      Logan, UT53,1081043.9%
      La Crosse, WI53,074955.4%
      Kentwood, MI53,236964.3%
      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.