Cost of Living in South Monroe, MI

Population 6,771 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

63
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

South Monroe is a smaller Michigan community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,674 and housing costs ($177,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 20 miles northeast of Toledo, South Monroe falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 65% higher than Toledo's $107,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 58
Rent 71

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in South Monroe

The median home value in South Monroe is $176,900 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $935/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,674/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, 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%. Overall, South Monroe has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$176,900
42% below avg
Median Rent
$935/mo
29% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.5%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$707
1 BR
$780
2 BR
$962
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,444
Owner-occupied 69.2%
Renter-occupied 30.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$935
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,549/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.3 min
17% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.2%
Carpooled
5.2%
Walked
0.4%
Work from home
10.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.5%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$59,674
20% below avg
Per Capita Income
$35,705
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
65% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.3%
Labor Force Participation
52.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.7%
Graduate degree 6.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.6
Male median age 42.8
Female median age 49.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 25 — Good
90.8%
Good air days/yr
82
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Monroe, MI?

South Monroe has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.

What is average rent in South Monroe, MI?

The median gross rent in South Monroe is $935 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Monroe?

The median home value in South Monroe is $176,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in South Monroe?

The median household income in South Monroe is $59,674 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Monroe, MI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Monroe is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is South Monroe, MI affordable?

Yes, South Monroe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.

South Monroe at a Glance

Population
6,771
Median Income
$59,674
Home Value
$176,900
Median Rent
$935/mo
Unemployment
7.9%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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