Cost of Living in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Population 13,373 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sault Ste. Marie is a smaller Michigan community of around 13000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,031 and housing costs ($127,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Sault Ste. Marie lies roughly 220 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Green Bay. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sault Ste. Marie
The median home value in Sault Ste. Marie is $127,300 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $787/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,031/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 51.4°F and lows of 33.3°F, with about 120.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Sault Ste. Marie has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% 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 | 24 | 26 | 36 | 49 | 63 | 73 | 77 | 76 | 68 | 54 | 41 | 31 |
| Low °F | 8 | 9 | 18 | 30 | 41 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 49 | 39 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 2.21 | 1.51 | 1.81 | 2.63 | 2.64 | 2.85 | 3.07 | 3.19 | 3.93 | 4.38 | 3.44 | 2.80 |
| Snow" | 30.3 | 20.7 | 13.0 | 7.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 16.0 | 30.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
Sault Ste. Marie has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
The median gross rent in Sault Ste. Marie is $787 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sault Ste. Marie?
The median home value in Sault Ste. Marie is $127,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Sault Ste. Marie?
The median household income in Sault Ste. Marie is $55,031 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sault Ste. Marie is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Sault Ste. Marie, MI affordable?
Yes, Sault Ste. Marie is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie has average high temperatures of 51.4°F and average lows of 33.3°F. Annual precipitation is 34.5". Average annual snowfall is 120.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sault Ste. Marie at a Glance
- Population
- 13,373
- Median Income
- $55,031
- Home Value
- $127,300
- Median Rent
- $787/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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