Cost of Living in Saginaw, MI
Population 43,879 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Saginaw's median household income of $37,298 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (33% here). At 11.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Saginaw is about 60 miles northeast of Lansing, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Lansing's $119,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Saginaw
The median home value in Saginaw is $54,000 — 82% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $909/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,298/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.5%, 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 56.9°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 49" of annual snowfall. Overall, Saginaw has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% 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 | 32 | 42 | 56 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.92 | 1.77 | 2.02 | 3.19 | 3.41 | 3.28 | 2.83 | 3.85 | 2.81 | 2.91 | 2.28 | 1.85 |
| Snow" | 13.9 | 11.4 | 6.0 | 2.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 3.3 | 11.8 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Saginaw, MI?
Saginaw has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Saginaw, MI?
The median gross rent in Saginaw is $909 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Saginaw?
The median home value in Saginaw is $54,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Saginaw?
The median household income in Saginaw is $37,298 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Saginaw, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Saginaw is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Saginaw, MI affordable?
Yes, Saginaw is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Saginaw?
Saginaw has average high temperatures of 56.9°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.1". Average annual snowfall is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Saginaw at a Glance
- Population
- 43,879
- Median Income
- $37,298
- Home Value
- $54,000
- Median Rent
- $909/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data