Cost of Living in Pontiac, MI
Population 61,914 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $42,791, median household incomes in Pontiac land roughly 43% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 10.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 14 miles west of Sterling Heights, Pontiac falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Sterling Heights' $261,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pontiac
The median home value in Pontiac is $110,600 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,007/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,791/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, 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 57.2°F and lows of 39.5°F. Overall, Pontiac 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 | 30 | 33 | 43 | 57 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 17 | 18 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.63 | 1.07 | 1.92 | 2.66 | 3.68 | 3.19 | 2.78 | 2.91 | 3.08 | 2.60 | 2.05 | 1.59 |
💨 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 Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pontiac, MI?
The median gross rent in Pontiac is $1,007 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pontiac?
The median home value in Pontiac is $110,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pontiac?
The median household income in Pontiac is $42,791 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pontiac, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pontiac is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Pontiac, MI affordable?
Yes, Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
Pontiac has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 39.5°F. Annual precipitation is 29.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pontiac at a Glance
- Population
- 61,914
- Median Income
- $42,791
- Home Value
- $110,600
- Median Rent
- $1,007/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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