Cost of Living in St. Clair Shores, MI

Population 58,287 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

73
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in St. Clair Shores can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $196,000 against $72,693 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.

Geographically, St. Clair Shores sits roughly 7 miles east of Warren. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Warren's $182,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 64
Rent 87

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

About the Cost of Living in St. Clair Shores

The median home value in St. Clair Shores is $196,400 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,143/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,693/year is 3% 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, St. Clair Shores has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$196,400
36% below avg
Median Rent
$1,143/mo
13% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.3x
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 83.4%
Renter-occupied 16.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,143
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,757/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
28.7 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.8%
Carpooled
6.1%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
12.3%

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
$72,693
3% below avg
Per Capita Income
$42,499
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
6% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
Labor Force Participation
64.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.4%
Graduate degree 10.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.7
Male median age 42
Female median age 45.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
50%
Good air days/yr
195
Max AQI recorded
244
PM2.5 days
120
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Clair Shores, MI?

St. Clair Shores has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.

What is average rent in St. Clair Shores, MI?

The median gross rent in St. Clair Shores is $1,143 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in St. Clair Shores?

The median home value in St. Clair Shores is $196,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in St. Clair Shores?

The median household income in St. Clair Shores is $72,693 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in St. Clair Shores, MI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Clair Shores is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is St. Clair Shores, MI affordable?

Yes, St. Clair Shores is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.

St. Clair Shores at a Glance

Population
58,287
Median Income
$72,693
Home Value
$196,400
Median Rent
$1,143/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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