Cost of Living in Portage, MI
Population 49,015 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Portage cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $243,000, rents near $1,120 a month.
Located 50 miles northeast of South Bend, Portage is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 96% higher than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portage
The median home value in Portage is $243,400 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,120/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,529/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 58.7°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Portage has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% 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 | 32 | 35 | 46 | 59 | 70 | 80 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 38 | 49 | 58 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.70 | 1.34 | 2.01 | 3.07 | 3.70 | 3.20 | 3.36 | 3.66 | 3.27 | 3.74 | 2.50 | 1.68 |
💨 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 Portage, MI?
Portage has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Portage, MI?
The median gross rent in Portage is $1,120 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portage?
The median home value in Portage is $243,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portage?
The median household income in Portage is $79,529 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portage, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portage is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Portage, MI affordable?
Yes, Portage is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Portage?
Portage has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Portage at a Glance
- Population
- 49,015
- Median Income
- $79,529
- Home Value
- $243,400
- Median Rent
- $1,120/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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