Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MI
Population 7,805 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
St. Joseph sits on the smaller end of the Michigan city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, St. Joseph is about 30 miles northwest of South Bend, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 118% higher than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in St. Joseph
The median home value in St. Joseph is $271,100 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,079/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,765/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.9°F and lows of 40.6°F. Overall, St. Joseph has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
St. Joseph 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 36 | 46 | 58 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.60 | 2.02 | 3.25 | 3.78 | 3.04 | 3.17 | 3.61 | 3.62 | 4.16 | 2.74 | 2.02 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Joseph, MI?
St. Joseph has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in St. Joseph, MI?
The median gross rent in St. Joseph is $1,079 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Joseph?
The median home value in St. Joseph is $271,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Joseph?
The median household income in St. Joseph is $77,765 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Joseph, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Joseph is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is St. Joseph, MI affordable?
Yes, St. Joseph is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 35". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
St. Joseph at a Glance
- Population
- 7,805
- Median Income
- $77,765
- Home Value
- $271,100
- Median Rent
- $1,079/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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