Cost of Living in Muskegon, MI
Population 37,203 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $46,342, median household incomes in Muskegon land roughly 38% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 35 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Muskegon falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Muskegon
The median home value in Muskegon is $121,800 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $927/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,342/year is 38% 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%. The climate averages highs of 57.9°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 87.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Muskegon has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 35 | 44 | 57 | 68 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 61 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 21 | 21 | 27 | 37 | 48 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.42 | 2.11 | 2.40 | 3.47 | 3.38 | 3.05 | 2.75 | 3.10 | 3.26 | 3.80 | 2.92 | 2.42 |
| Snow" | 29.1 | 20.0 | 7.5 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 22.3 |
💨 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 Muskegon, MI?
Muskegon has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Muskegon, MI?
The median gross rent in Muskegon is $927 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Muskegon?
The median home value in Muskegon is $121,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Muskegon?
The median household income in Muskegon is $46,342 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Muskegon, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Muskegon is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Muskegon, MI affordable?
Yes, Muskegon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Muskegon?
Muskegon has average high temperatures of 57.9°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 35.1". Average annual snowfall is 87.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Muskegon at a Glance
- Population
- 37,203
- Median Income
- $46,342
- Home Value
- $121,800
- Median Rent
- $927/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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