Cost of Living in Garden City, MI
Population 26,910 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Garden City offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $162,000 — costs less than 2.5 times median household income of $64,396, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Garden City sits roughly 7 miles west of Dearborn. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Dearborn's $206,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Garden City
The median home value in Garden City is $162,400 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $991/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,396/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, 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, Garden City has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% 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 Garden City, MI?
Garden City has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Garden City, MI?
The median gross rent in Garden City is $991 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $162,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Garden City?
The median household income in Garden City is $64,396 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Garden City, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Garden City is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Garden City, MI affordable?
Yes, Garden City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
Garden City at a Glance
- Population
- 26,910
- Median Income
- $64,396
- Home Value
- $162,400
- Median Rent
- $991/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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