Cost of Living in Hillsdale, MI
Population 8,013 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Hillsdale run well below national norms — a median of $47,817 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $131,000). A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Hillsdale is about 50 miles west of Ann Arbor, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Ann Arbor's $435,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hillsdale
The median home value in Hillsdale is $131,300 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $801/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,817/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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, Hillsdale has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale, MI?
Hillsdale has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hillsdale, MI?
The median gross rent in Hillsdale is $801 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hillsdale?
The median home value in Hillsdale is $131,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hillsdale?
The median household income in Hillsdale is $47,817 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hillsdale, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hillsdale is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Hillsdale, MI affordable?
Yes, Hillsdale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
Hillsdale at a Glance
- Population
- 8,013
- Median Income
- $47,817
- Home Value
- $131,300
- Median Rent
- $801/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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