Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant, MI
Population 21,420 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Mount Pleasant run well below national norms — a median of $39,924 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $169,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 60 miles north of Lansing, Mount Pleasant is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 41% higher than Lansing's $119,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant
The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $168,700 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $870/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,924/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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, Mount Pleasant has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mount Pleasant, MI?
Mount Pleasant has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Mount Pleasant, MI?
The median gross rent in Mount Pleasant is $870 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mount Pleasant?
The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $168,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mount Pleasant?
The median household income in Mount Pleasant is $39,924 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mount Pleasant, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mount Pleasant is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Mount Pleasant, MI affordable?
Yes, Mount Pleasant is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Mount Pleasant at a Glance
- Population
- 21,420
- Median Income
- $39,924
- Home Value
- $168,700
- Median Rent
- $870/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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