Cost of Living in Benton Harbor, MI
Population 9,023 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Benton Harbor's median household income of $29,652 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 (42% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 20.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 30 miles north of South Bend, Benton Harbor falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Benton Harbor
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $75,500 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $775/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $29,652/year is 60% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 20.8%, 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 58.9°F and lows of 40.6°F. Overall, Benton Harbor has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.
Benton Harbor has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 33 | 36 | 46 | 58 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.60 | 2.02 | 3.25 | 3.78 | 3.04 | 3.17 | 3.61 | 3.62 | 4.16 | 2.74 | 2.02 |
💨 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 Benton Harbor, MI?
Benton Harbor has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Benton Harbor, MI?
The median gross rent in Benton Harbor is $775 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Benton Harbor?
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $75,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Benton Harbor?
The median household income in Benton Harbor is $29,652 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Benton Harbor, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benton Harbor is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Benton Harbor, MI affordable?
Yes, Benton Harbor is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Benton Harbor?
Benton Harbor has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 35". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Benton Harbor at a Glance
- Population
- 9,023
- Median Income
- $29,652
- Home Value
- $75,500
- Median Rent
- $775/mo
- Unemployment
- 20.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data