Cost of Living in Brighton, MI

Population 7,576 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

98
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Brighton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $303,000. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 20 miles north of Ann Arbor, Brighton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Ann Arbor's $435,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 99
Rent 95

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

About the Cost of Living in Brighton

The median home value in Brighton is $302,800 — 1% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,248/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,772/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below 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, Brighton has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$302,800
1% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$424,891
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,248/mo
5% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.2x
Favors renting
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 66.7%
Renter-occupied 33.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,248
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,862/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
26.6 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.9%
Carpooled
3.3%
Walked
1.6%
Work from home
16.2%

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
$81,772
10% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,703
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
44% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
Labor Force Participation
64.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.6%
Graduate degree 15.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.7
Male median age 40.5
Female median age 52.8

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
19.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
9
Public schools
5,973
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brighton, MI?

Brighton has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.

What is average rent in Brighton, MI?

The median gross rent in Brighton is $1,248 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brighton?

The median home value in Brighton is $302,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Brighton?

The median household income in Brighton is $81,772 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brighton, MI?

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

Is Brighton, MI affordable?

Brighton is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).

Brighton at a Glance

Population
7,576
Median Income
$81,772
Home Value
$302,800
Median Rent
$1,248/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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