Cost of Living in Big Rapids, MI
Population 7,847 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $40,197, median household incomes in Big Rapids land roughly 46% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 35% 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.
Big Rapids is about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Big Rapids
The median home value in Big Rapids is $134,200 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $815/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,197/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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, Big Rapids has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Big Rapids 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Big Rapids, MI?
Big Rapids has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Big Rapids, MI?
The median gross rent in Big Rapids is $815 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Big Rapids?
The median home value in Big Rapids is $134,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Big Rapids?
The median household income in Big Rapids is $40,197 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Big Rapids, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Big Rapids is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Big Rapids, MI affordable?
Yes, Big Rapids is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Big Rapids at a Glance
- Population
- 7,847
- Median Income
- $40,197
- Home Value
- $134,200
- Median Rent
- $815/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs