Cost of Living in Buena Vista, MI
Population 5,904 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $38,835, median household incomes in Buena Vista land roughly 48% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 31% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 60 miles northeast of Lansing, Buena Vista is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Lansing's $119,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buena Vista
The median home value in Buena Vista is $51,800 — 83% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $875/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,835/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.8%, 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 56.9°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 49" of annual snowfall. Overall, Buena Vista has a cost of living index of 37 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 63% less expensive.
Buena Vista 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 | 30 | 32 | 42 | 56 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.92 | 1.77 | 2.02 | 3.19 | 3.41 | 3.28 | 2.83 | 3.85 | 2.81 | 2.91 | 2.28 | 1.85 |
| Snow" | 13.9 | 11.4 | 6.0 | 2.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 3.3 | 11.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buena Vista, MI?
Buena Vista has a cost index of 37 (100 = national average). It is 63% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buena Vista, MI?
The median gross rent in Buena Vista is $875 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista is $51,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Buena Vista?
The median household income in Buena Vista is $38,835 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buena Vista, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buena Vista is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Buena Vista, MI affordable?
Yes, Buena Vista is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 37 — about 63% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Buena Vista?
Buena Vista has average high temperatures of 56.9°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.1". Average annual snowfall is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Buena Vista at a Glance
- Population
- 5,904
- Median Income
- $38,835
- Home Value
- $51,800
- Median Rent
- $875/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data