Cost of Living in Kentwood, MI

Population 54,114 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

86
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Kentwood lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $249,000 — 18% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Michigan.

Geographically, Kentwood sits roughly 6 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Grand Rapids' $226,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 82
Rent 92

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

About the Cost of Living in Kentwood

The median home value in Kentwood is $249,000 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,205/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,647/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Kentwood has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$249,000
18% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$323,448
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,205/mo
8% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,691/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.2x
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 60.4%
Renter-occupied 39.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,205
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,819/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
21.5 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.0%
Carpooled
7.0%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
10.9%

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
$73,647
1% below avg
Per Capita Income
$35,843
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
0% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Labor Force Participation
70.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.7%
Graduate degree 11.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.7
Male median age 33.5
Female median age 36

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
51.5%
Good air days/yr
220
Max AQI recorded
198
PM2.5 days
153
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
20.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
1
Public schools
604
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kentwood, MI?

Kentwood has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.

What is average rent in Kentwood, MI?

The median gross rent in Kentwood is $1,205 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Kentwood?

The median home value in Kentwood is $249,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Kentwood?

The median household income in Kentwood is $73,647 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Kentwood, MI?

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

Is Kentwood, MI affordable?

Yes, Kentwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.

Kentwood at a Glance

Population
54,114
Median Income
$73,647
Home Value
$249,000
Median Rent
$1,205/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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