Cost of Living in Inkster, MI

Population 25,602 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $39,632, median household incomes in Inkster land roughly 47% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 12.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Inkster sits roughly 6 miles west of Dearborn — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Dearborn's $206,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 25
Rent 86

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Inkster

The median home value in Inkster is $75,700 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,127/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,632/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.8%, 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, Inkster has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$75,700
75% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$105,567
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,127/mo
14% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,258/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
5.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.5%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$707
1 BR
$780
2 BR
$962
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,444
Owner-occupied 45.8%
Renter-occupied 54.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,127
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,741/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.4 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.9%
Carpooled
9.9%
Public transit
3.7%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
7.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.5%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$39,632
47% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,774
Unemployment Rate
12.8%
166% above avg
Poverty Rate
36.3%
Labor Force Participation
58.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.6%
Graduate degree 4.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.4
Male median age 33.2
Female median age 36.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 61 — Moderate
19.2%
Good air days/yr
226
Max AQI recorded
329
PM2.5 days
33
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Inkster, MI?

Inkster has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Inkster, MI?

The median gross rent in Inkster is $1,127 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Inkster?

The median home value in Inkster is $75,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Inkster?

The median household income in Inkster is $39,632 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Inkster, MI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Inkster is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is Inkster, MI affordable?

Yes, Inkster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.