Cost of Living in Westwood, MI

Population 8,968 · 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

Westwood is a smaller Michigan community of around 9000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,408 and housing costs ($187,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Westwood is about 45 miles south 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 17% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 61
Rent 91

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

About the Cost of Living in Westwood

The median home value in Westwood is $187,300 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,192/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,408/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 58.7°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Westwood has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$187,300
39% below avg
Median Rent
$1,192/mo
9% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.1x
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 54.2%
Renter-occupied 45.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,192
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,806/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
21.6 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.7%
Carpooled
5.1%
Public transit
3.6%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
14.4%

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
$62,408
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$47,889
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
15.2%
Labor Force Participation
65.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.1%
Graduate degree 22.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35
Male median age 35.9
Female median age 33.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.7°F
Avg Low
40.2°F
Annual Precip
33.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323546597080838174614837
Low °F 182027384958626053423324
Precip" 1.701.342.013.073.703.203.363.663.273.742.501.68

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
42.2%
Good air days/yr
225
Max AQI recorded
261
PM2.5 days
97
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Westwood, MI?

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

What is average rent in Westwood, MI?

The median gross rent in Westwood is $1,192 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Westwood?

The median home value in Westwood is $187,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Westwood?

The median household income in Westwood is $62,408 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Westwood, MI?

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

Is Westwood, MI affordable?

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

What is the weather like in Westwood?

Westwood has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Westwood at a Glance

Population
8,968
Median Income
$62,408
Home Value
$187,300
Median Rent
$1,192/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
58.7°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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