Cost of Living in Fenton, MI
Population 11,950 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Fenton stay well under national norms: a median home value of $212,000 against median household incomes of $83,077 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Michigan. At 8.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Fenton is about 35 miles north of Ann Arbor, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Ann Arbor's $435,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fenton
The median home value in Fenton is $211,700 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,323/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,077/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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, Fenton has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.
🏠 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 Fenton, MI?
Fenton has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fenton, MI?
The median gross rent in Fenton is $1,323 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fenton?
The median home value in Fenton is $211,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fenton?
The median household income in Fenton is $83,077 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fenton, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fenton is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Fenton, MI affordable?
Yes, Fenton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
Fenton at a Glance
- Population
- 11,950
- Median Income
- $83,077
- Home Value
- $211,700
- Median Rent
- $1,323/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Michigan Rankings
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