Cost of Living in Lansing, MI
Population 112,546 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Lansing's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $52,170 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lansing
The median home value in Lansing is $119,400 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $976/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,170/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.1%, 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 57.9°F and lows of 39.2°F, with about 50.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lansing has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% 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 | 31 | 34 | 44 | 58 | 69 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 17 | 18 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 2.06 | 1.71 | 2.13 | 3.26 | 3.66 | 3.76 | 2.94 | 3.48 | 2.81 | 3.16 | 2.46 | 1.90 |
| Snow" | 14.3 | 12.9 | 5.9 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 3.9 | 11.3 |
💨 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 Lansing, MI?
Lansing has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lansing, MI?
The median gross rent in Lansing is $976 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lansing?
The median home value in Lansing is $119,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lansing?
The median household income in Lansing is $52,170 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lansing, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lansing is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Lansing, MI affordable?
Yes, Lansing is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lansing?
Lansing has average high temperatures of 57.9°F and average lows of 39.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33.3". Average annual snowfall is 50.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lansing at a Glance
- Population
- 112,546
- Median Income
- $52,170
- Home Value
- $119,400
- Median Rent
- $976/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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