Cost of Living in Marine City, MI

Population 4,047 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Marine City is a smaller Michigan community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $63,156 and housing costs ($147,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 30 miles east of Sterling Heights, Marine City falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Sterling Heights' $261,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 48
Rent 66

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

About the Cost of Living in Marine City

The median home value in Marine City is $146,500 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $872/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,156/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.5%, 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, Marine City has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$146,500
52% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$621,172
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$872/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.0x
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 83.1%
Renter-occupied 16.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$872
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,486/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
30.6 min
13% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.5%
Carpooled
10.9%
Walked
6.3%
Work from home
4.3%

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
$63,156
15% below avg
Per Capita Income
$37,770
Unemployment Rate
9.5%
98% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
Labor Force Participation
60.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.5%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.2
Male median age 50.3
Female median age 47.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
51.4%
Good air days/yr
197
Max AQI recorded
256
PM2.5 days
106
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Marine City, MI?

Marine City has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Marine City, MI?

The median gross rent in Marine City is $872 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Marine City?

The median home value in Marine City is $146,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Marine City?

The median household income in Marine City is $63,156 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Marine City, MI?

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

Is Marine City, MI affordable?

Yes, Marine City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.