Cost of Living in Ludington, MI
Population 7,664 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ludington's median household income of $44,471 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (23% here).
Located 80 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Ludington is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ludington
The median home value in Ludington is $192,800 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $824/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,471/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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, Ludington has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Ludington 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 Ludington, MI?
Ludington has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ludington, MI?
The median gross rent in Ludington is $824 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ludington?
The median home value in Ludington is $192,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ludington?
The median household income in Ludington is $44,471 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ludington, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ludington is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Ludington, MI affordable?
Yes, Ludington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Ludington at a Glance
- Population
- 7,664
- Median Income
- $44,471
- Home Value
- $192,800
- Median Rent
- $824/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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