Cost of Living in Howell, MI
Population 10,074 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Howell sits on the smaller end of the Michigan city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Located 25 miles northwest of Ann Arbor, Howell falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Ann Arbor's $435,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Howell
The median home value in Howell is $240,700 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,121/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,122/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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, Howell has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Howell, MI?
Howell has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Howell, MI?
The median gross rent in Howell is $1,121 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Howell?
The median home value in Howell is $240,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Howell?
The median household income in Howell is $57,122 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Howell, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Howell is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Howell, MI affordable?
Yes, Howell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
Howell at a Glance
- Population
- 10,074
- Median Income
- $57,122
- Home Value
- $240,700
- Median Rent
- $1,121/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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