Cost of Living in Lowell, MI
Population 4,133 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lowell is a smaller Michigan community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $71,406 and housing costs ($231,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Lowell sits roughly 15 miles east of Grand Rapids. Housing prices track closely with Grand Rapids' $226,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lowell
The median home value in Lowell is $231,100 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $788/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,406/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Lowell has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% less expensive.
Lowell has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
💨 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 Lowell, MI?
Lowell has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lowell, MI?
The median gross rent in Lowell is $788 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lowell?
The median home value in Lowell is $231,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lowell?
The median household income in Lowell is $71,406 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lowell, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lowell is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Lowell, MI affordable?
Yes, Lowell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
Lowell at a Glance
- Population
- 4,133
- Median Income
- $71,406
- Home Value
- $231,100
- Median Rent
- $788/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs