Cost of Living in Clare, MI
Population 3,341 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clare's median household income of $43,105 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 (19% here). At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Clare lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Grand Rapids — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clare
The median home value in Clare is $124,800 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $792/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,105/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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, Clare has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
Clare 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 Clare, MI?
Clare has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Clare, MI?
The median gross rent in Clare is $792 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clare?
The median home value in Clare is $124,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clare?
The median household income in Clare is $43,105 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clare, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clare is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Clare, MI affordable?
Yes, Clare is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
Clare at a Glance
- Population
- 3,341
- Median Income
- $43,105
- Home Value
- $124,800
- Median Rent
- $792/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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