Cost of Living in Forest Hills, MI
Population 28,494 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Forest Hills's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $156,618 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 1.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 8 miles east of Grand Rapids, Forest Hills falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 111% higher than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forest Hills
The median home value in Forest Hills is $474,800 — 56% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,950/month, 48% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $156,618/year is 110% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, 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, Forest Hills has a cost of living index of 153 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% more 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forest Hills, MI?
Forest Hills has a cost index of 153 (100 = national average). It is 53% above the national average.
What is average rent in Forest Hills, MI?
The median gross rent in Forest Hills is $1,950 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forest Hills?
The median home value in Forest Hills is $474,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Forest Hills?
The median household income in Forest Hills is $156,618 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forest Hills, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forest Hills is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Forest Hills, MI affordable?
Forest Hills is above average in cost of living, with an index of 153 — about 53% higher than the national average.
Forest Hills at a Glance
- Population
- 28,494
- Median Income
- $156,618
- Home Value
- $474,800
- Median Rent
- $1,950/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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