Cost of Living in Kalamazoo, MI
Population 73,132 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kalamazoo lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $165,000 — 46% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Michigan. A poverty rate near 27% 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, Kalamazoo is about 50 miles south of Grand Rapids, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kalamazoo
The median home value in Kalamazoo is $164,500 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,031/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,965/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.7°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Kalamazoo has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 35 | 46 | 59 | 70 | 80 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 38 | 49 | 58 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.70 | 1.34 | 2.01 | 3.07 | 3.70 | 3.20 | 3.36 | 3.66 | 3.27 | 3.74 | 2.50 | 1.68 |
💨 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 Kalamazoo, MI?
Kalamazoo has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kalamazoo, MI?
The median gross rent in Kalamazoo is $1,031 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kalamazoo?
The median home value in Kalamazoo is $164,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kalamazoo?
The median household income in Kalamazoo is $48,965 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kalamazoo, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kalamazoo is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Kalamazoo, MI affordable?
Yes, Kalamazoo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kalamazoo at a Glance
- Population
- 73,132
- Median Income
- $48,965
- Home Value
- $164,500
- Median Rent
- $1,031/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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