Cost of Living in Niles, MI

Population 11,838 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Niles run well below national norms — a median of $47,815 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $115,000). Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Niles sits roughly 11 miles north of South Bend — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with South Bend's $125,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 66

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

About the Cost of Living in Niles

The median home value in Niles is $115,400 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $869/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,815/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.2%, 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, Niles has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$115,400
62% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$200,032
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$869/mo
34% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,075/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.1x
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 62.9%
Renter-occupied 37.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$869
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,483/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
23.2 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.2%
Carpooled
10.8%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
5.1%

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
$47,815
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,132
Unemployment Rate
11.2%
133% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.9%
Labor Force Participation
64.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.7%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.2
Male median age 36.3
Female median age 41.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
74.2%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

72%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
16
Public schools
4,918
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Niles, MI?

Niles has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Niles, MI?

The median gross rent in Niles is $869 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Niles?

The median home value in Niles is $115,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Niles?

The median household income in Niles is $47,815 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Niles, MI?

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

Is Niles, MI affordable?

Yes, Niles is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

Niles at a Glance

Population
11,838
Median Income
$47,815
Home Value
$115,400
Median Rent
$869/mo
Unemployment
11.2%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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