Cost of Living in Ypsilanti, MI

Population 19,937 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ypsilanti's median household income of $44,141 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (26% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 6 miles east of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Ann Arbor's $435,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 73
Rent 79

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

About the Cost of Living in Ypsilanti

The median home value in Ypsilanti is $223,700 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,034/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,141/year is 41% 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, Ypsilanti has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$223,700
27% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$282,767
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,034/mo
21% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,250/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.0x
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 33.3%
Renter-occupied 66.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,034
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,648/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
24.6 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.8%
Carpooled
8.8%
Public transit
7.8%
Walked
7.8%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
15.2%

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
$44,141
41% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,270
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
63% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.5%
Labor Force Participation
64.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.6%
Graduate degree 23.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 27
Male median age 28.3
Female median age 25.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
46%
Good air days/yr
218
Max AQI recorded
244
PM2.5 days
121
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

77.9%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
16
Public schools
7,644
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ypsilanti, MI?

Ypsilanti has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ypsilanti, MI?

The median gross rent in Ypsilanti is $1,034 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ypsilanti?

The median home value in Ypsilanti is $223,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ypsilanti?

The median household income in Ypsilanti is $44,141 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ypsilanti, MI?

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

Is Ypsilanti, MI affordable?

Yes, Ypsilanti is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

Ypsilanti at a Glance

Population
19,937
Median Income
$44,141
Home Value
$223,700
Median Rent
$1,034/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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