Cost of Living in Allendale, MI
Population 25,741 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 21 and an unusually high bachelor's-degree rate of 30%, Allendale is shaped heavily by its student population. That also means median household incomes of $68,449 skew low — the count includes students — while working-household figures run considerably higher. At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 15 miles west of Grand Rapids, Allendale falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Allendale
The median home value in Allendale is $287,600 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,081/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,449/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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, Allendale has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Allendale, MI?
Allendale has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Allendale, MI?
The median gross rent in Allendale is $1,081 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Allendale?
The median home value in Allendale is $287,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Allendale?
The median household income in Allendale is $68,449 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Allendale, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Allendale is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Allendale, MI affordable?
Yes, Allendale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
Allendale at a Glance
- Population
- 25,741
- Median Income
- $68,449
- Home Value
- $287,600
- Median Rent
- $1,081/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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