Cost of Living in Alpena, MI
Population 10,178 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Alpena's median household income of $47,604 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (19% here). At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Alpena lies roughly 170 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Lansing. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Lansing's $119,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alpena
The median home value in Alpena is $110,400 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $599/month, 54% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,604/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 52.2°F and lows of 36.2°F, with about 59.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Alpena has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 29 | 37 | 48 | 61 | 71 | 77 | 76 | 69 | 56 | 43 | 33 |
| Low °F | 13 | 13 | 21 | 32 | 43 | 54 | 59 | 58 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.19 | 1.70 | 1.81 | 3.11 | 3.17 | 2.72 | 3.29 | 3.45 | 2.94 | 3.24 | 2.27 | 2.05 |
| Snow" | 15.6 | 14.4 | 6.2 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 16.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alpena, MI?
Alpena has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Alpena, MI?
The median gross rent in Alpena is $599 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alpena?
The median home value in Alpena is $110,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alpena?
The median household income in Alpena is $47,604 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alpena, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alpena is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Alpena, MI affordable?
Yes, Alpena is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Alpena?
Alpena has average high temperatures of 52.2°F and average lows of 36.2°F. Annual precipitation is 31.9". Average annual snowfall is 59.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Alpena at a Glance
- Population
- 10,178
- Median Income
- $47,604
- Home Value
- $110,400
- Median Rent
- $599/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Michigan Rankings
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