| Index | Midland | Michigan | National |
| Cost of living | 94 | 91 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 86 | 76 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 100 | 95 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Midland? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Midland stands at 94, making it 6% 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 Midland closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Midland can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is Midland 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 Midland, the median home price is 13.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 14.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Midland boasting a median household income of $93,363, 14.8% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Midland, the transportation index is 5.8% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Midland, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.25%.
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.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Midland are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $123,805 | $10,317 | $2,889 | $3,715 |
| Renters | $55,592 | $4,633 | $1,297 | $1,668 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Michigan | 6% | 6% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Michigan | 4.25% | 4.25% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Saginaw, MI | 50,125 | 79 | 21.0% |
| Merrill, MI | 869 | 83 | 17.2% |
| Breckenridge, MI | 1,472 | 83 | 16.5% |
| Hemlock, MI | 1,081 | 88 | 12.4% |
| Auburn, MI | 2,036 | 89 | 11.3% |
| Midland, MI | 43,447 | 94 | 6.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| State College, PA | 43,467 | 119 | 18.9% |
| Linden, NJ | 43,551 | 125 | 24.8% |
| Apache Junction, AZ | 43,334 | 93 | 7.1% |
| West Babylon, NY | 43,319 | 137 | 37.1% |
| Mankato, MN | 43,578 | 101 | 0.9% |
| Midland, MI | 43,447 | 94 | 6.0% |
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