Cost of Living in Flint, MI
Population 80,835 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Flint's median household income of $36,194 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 (34% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 17.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Flint is about 45 miles northwest of Sterling Heights, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 82% lower than Sterling Heights' $261,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Flint
The median home value in Flint is $47,600 — 84% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $859/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,194/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 17.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 57.2°F and lows of 38.1°F, with about 52.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Flint has a cost of living index of 36 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 33 | 43 | 57 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 47 | 35 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 56 | 60 | 58 | 50 | 40 | 31 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.68 | 1.97 | 3.13 | 3.68 | 3.12 | 3.41 | 3.16 | 2.90 | 2.77 | 2.27 | 1.89 |
| Snow" | 15.1 | 13.0 | 6.6 | 2.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 3.3 | 11.4 |
💨 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 Flint, MI?
Flint has a cost index of 36 (100 = national average). It is 64% below the national average.
What is average rent in Flint, MI?
The median gross rent in Flint is $859 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Flint?
The median home value in Flint is $47,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Flint?
The median household income in Flint is $36,194 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Flint, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Flint is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Flint, MI affordable?
Yes, Flint is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 36 — about 64% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Flint?
Flint has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 38.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32". Average annual snowfall is 52.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Flint at a Glance
- Population
- 80,835
- Median Income
- $36,194
- Home Value
- $47,600
- Median Rent
- $859/mo
- Unemployment
- 17.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data