Cost of Living in Portland, MI
Population 3,821 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Portland can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $165,000 against $65,116 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 20 miles northwest of Lansing, Portland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Lansing's $119,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portland
The median home value in Portland is $165,000 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,016/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,116/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, below 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, Portland has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Portland has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Portland, MI?
Portland has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Portland, MI?
The median gross rent in Portland is $1,016 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $165,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland is $65,116 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portland, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portland is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Portland, MI affordable?
Yes, Portland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Portland at a Glance
- Population
- 3,821
- Median Income
- $65,116
- Home Value
- $165,000
- Median Rent
- $1,016/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs