A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Waverly Michigan National
Cost of living9891100
Groceries9998100
Health care9997100
Housing9576100
Transportation10096100
Utilities100100100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9796100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare10095100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waverly, MI

Knowing the cost of living in Waverly allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Waverly stands at 98, marking it 2% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Waverly 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. Waverly 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.

Is Waverly Affordable?

Is Waverly 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 Waverly, the median home price is 7.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 1.5% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Waverly come in at $97,956, which is 20.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waverly?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Waverly, healthcare costs are 1.2% lower than the national average.

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 Waverly, the housing index is 4.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Waverly cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

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

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Compare Waverly, 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$128,878$10,740$3,007$3,867
      Renters$70,369$5,864$1,642$2,111
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Waverly, 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 Waverly, homeowners have a median income of $128,878. Using that number, a maximum of $3,007 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $70,369, which means there is a maximum of $1,642 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.
      Eagle, MI1208713.3%
      Lansing, MI122,1398712.7%
      Potterville, MI2,8018812.4%
      Charlotte, MI9,4198811.7%
      Edgemont Park, MI2,4739010.3%
      Waverly, MI24,722982.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Faribault, MN24,714982.2%
      Fort Dodge, IA24,7008415.7%
      Chantilly, VA24,74415049.5%
      Rosemont, CA24,69013232.2%
      Grande Prairie County No. 1, AB24,756n/a 
      Waverly, MI24,722982.0%
      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.