Cost of Living in Sturgis, MI

Population 11,077 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Sturgis 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. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Sturgis is about 45 miles east of South Bend, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with South Bend's $125,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Sturgis

The median home value in Sturgis is $129,400 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $793/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,640/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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, Sturgis has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$129,400
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$199,087
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$793/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6x
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 58.2%
Renter-occupied 41.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$793
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,407/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
19.2 min
29% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.6%
Carpooled
20.2%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
0.6%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
4.5%

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
$60,640
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,741
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
48% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
Labor Force Participation
65.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 4.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 32.8
Female median age 36.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

84%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
9
Public schools
3,227
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sturgis, MI?

Sturgis has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Sturgis, MI?

The median gross rent in Sturgis is $793 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Sturgis?

The median home value in Sturgis is $129,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Sturgis?

The median household income in Sturgis is $60,640 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Sturgis, MI?

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

Is Sturgis, MI affordable?

Yes, Sturgis is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

Sturgis at a Glance

Population
11,077
Median Income
$60,640
Home Value
$129,400
Median Rent
$793/mo
Unemployment
7.1%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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