Cost of Living in South Haven, MI
Population 3,994 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 60, South Haven functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $372,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. A poverty rate near 20% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
South Haven is about 50 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 65% higher than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Haven
The median home value in South Haven is $372,200 — 22% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $718/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,338/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, South Haven has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% less expensive.
South Haven 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 South Haven, MI?
South Haven has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Haven, MI?
The median gross rent in South Haven is $718 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Haven?
The median home value in South Haven is $372,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Haven?
The median household income in South Haven is $64,338 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Haven, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Haven is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is South Haven, MI affordable?
South Haven is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
South Haven at a Glance
- Population
- 3,994
- Median Income
- $64,338
- Home Value
- $372,200
- Median Rent
- $718/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- 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