Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MI

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2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
5%
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 St. Joseph Michigan National
Cost of living9891100
Groceries9598100
Health care9897100
Housing10576100
Transportation9396100
Utilities97100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9496100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9695100
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Homes For Sale In St. Joseph, MI

property for sale

2767 Oakwood Ln

Saint Joseph, MI
property for sale

307 Park St

Saint Joseph, MI
property for sale

1803 Forres Ave

Saint Joseph, MI
property for sale

213 Ward Ave

Saint Joseph, MI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in St. Joseph is 8% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in St. Joseph is 2% lower than the national average
  • St. Joseph housing is 5% higher 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 St. Joseph

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle 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$136,978$11,415$3,196$4,110
      Renters$68,121$5,677$1,589$2,044
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in St. Joseph, MI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in St. Joseph have a median income of $136,978. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,196 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $68,121, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,589.

      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.
      Benton Heights, MI4,3087920.7%
      Benton Harbor, MI10,0598019.9%
      Watervliet, MI2,1608415.6%
      Fair Plain, MI7,3628712.7%
      Coloma, MI1,3468812.0%
      St. Joseph, MI8,505981.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kenilworth, NJ8,50513434.5%
      Meadow Lakes, AK8,50412020.1%
      Hornell, NY8,5039010.1%
      Temple Hills, MD8,50811817.7%
      Delavan, WI8,509946.2%
      St. Joseph, MI8,505981.6%
      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.
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