Cost of Living in Buchanan, MI
Population 4,259 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buchanan is a smaller Michigan community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $54,068 and housing costs ($138,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 12 miles northwest of South Bend, Buchanan falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buchanan
The median home value in Buchanan is $138,400 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $952/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,068/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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, Buchanan has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Buchanan 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
💨 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 Buchanan, MI?
Buchanan has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buchanan, MI?
The median gross rent in Buchanan is $952 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buchanan?
The median home value in Buchanan is $138,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buchanan?
The median household income in Buchanan is $54,068 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buchanan, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buchanan is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Buchanan, MI affordable?
Yes, Buchanan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
Buchanan at a Glance
- Population
- 4,259
- Median Income
- $54,068
- Home Value
- $138,400
- Median Rent
- $952/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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