Cost of Living in Albion, MI

Population 7,608 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

41
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $40,040, median household incomes in Albion land roughly 46% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Albion is about 35 miles southwest of Lansing, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Lansing's $119,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 30
Rent 59

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Albion

The median home value in Albion is $91,100 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $769/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,040/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Albion has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$91,100
70% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$133,027
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$769/mo
41% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.5%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$707
1 BR
$780
2 BR
$962
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,444
Owner-occupied 61.6%
Renter-occupied 38.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$769
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,383/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.4 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.8%
Carpooled
5.7%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
11.3%
Bicycle
1.7%
Work from home
9.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.5%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$40,040
46% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,128
Unemployment Rate
13.8%
186% above avg
Poverty Rate
27.2%
Labor Force Participation
50.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.7%
Graduate degree 5.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 25.6
Male median age 21.6
Female median age 28.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

49%
4-Year Graduation Rate
24.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
1
Public schools
149
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Albion, MI?

Albion has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.

What is average rent in Albion, MI?

The median gross rent in Albion is $769 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Albion?

The median home value in Albion is $91,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Albion?

The median household income in Albion is $40,040 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Albion, MI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Albion is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is Albion, MI affordable?

Yes, Albion is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.

Albion at a Glance

Population
7,608
Median Income
$40,040
Home Value
$91,100
Median Rent
$769/mo
Unemployment
13.8%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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