A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
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 Sturgis Michigan National
Cost of living8491100
Groceries9798100
Health care9697100
Housing5876100
Transportation9596100
Utilities97100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9496100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9195100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Sturgis, MI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Sturgis is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Sturgis is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Sturgis are 42.4% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Sturgis Affordable?

Is Sturgis 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 Sturgis, the median home price is 50.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 22.7% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Sturgis boasting a median household income of $64,238, 21% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sturgis?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

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 Sturgis, the housing index is 42.4% lower than the national average.

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 Sturgis, the transportation index stands at 4.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Sturgis 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 Sturgis is 7% lower than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Sturgis is 16% lower than the national average
  • Sturgis housing is 42% 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 Sturgis

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Compare Sturgis, 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$82,144$6,845$1,917$2,465
      Renters$42,006$3,501$980$1,260
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Sturgis 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. Sturgis has a median income of about $82,144 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,917 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $42,006. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $980 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.
      Sherwood, MI5238020.3%
      Burr Oak, MI8178317.2%
      Bronson, MI2,1318416.0%
      Constantine, MI2,2728316.7%
      Lagrange, IN2,8128317.4%
      Sturgis, MI11,1588415.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brooklyn, OH11,1588712.9%
      Gonzales, LA11,160982.4%
      Brock Hall, MD11,15315353.4%
      Bellmead, TX11,1668614.3%
      Heath, OH11,168927.5%
      Sturgis, MI11,1588415.8%
      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.