A+
3%
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 Marquette Michigan National
Cost of living9791100
Groceries9798100
Health care9697100
Housing9476100
Transportation9996100
Utilities99100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9496100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare10395100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Marquette, MI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Marquette? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Marquette stands at 97, making it 3% 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 Marquette aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Marquette 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Marquette?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 10 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Marquette. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 40% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 60% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Marquette Affordable?

Is Marquette 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 Marquette, the median home price is 2% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Marquette boasting a median household income of $64,049, 21.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Marquette?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Marquette, the utilities index registers at 1.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Marquette, the groceries index is 3.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Marquette 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 Marquette is 6% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Marquette is 3% lower than the national average
  • Marquette 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 Marquette

See all the best places to live around Marquette

Compare Marquette, 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$105,751$8,813$2,467$3,173
      Renters$41,211$3,434$962$1,236
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Marquette is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Marquette has a median income of about $105,751 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,467 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,211. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $962 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Palmer, MI4088218.2%
      Ishpeming, MI6,6308416.1%
      Negaunee, MI4,6368811.6%
      Harvey, MI3,780964.2%
      Trowbridge Park, MI2,267990.6%
      Marquette, MI21,369973.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Joliette, QC21,376n/a 
      Sidney, OH21,3598712.6%
      East Moline, IL21,3589010.3%
      Dickinson, TX21,358990.8%
      South El Monte, CA21,35314847.7%
      Marquette, MI21,369973.3%
      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.