Cost of Living in Monroe, MI
Population 20,330 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Monroe sits on the smaller end of the Michigan city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 20 miles northeast of Toledo, Monroe falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 51% higher than Toledo's $107,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Monroe
The median home value in Monroe is $161,500 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $898/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,532/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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, Monroe has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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
💨 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 Monroe, MI?
Monroe has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Monroe, MI?
The median gross rent in Monroe is $898 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe is $161,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Monroe?
The median household income in Monroe is $59,532 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Monroe, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Monroe is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Monroe, MI affordable?
Yes, Monroe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
Monroe at a Glance
- Population
- 20,330
- Median Income
- $59,532
- Home Value
- $161,500
- Median Rent
- $898/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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