According to recent research data, the most expensive cities in Michigan include Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, East Grand Rapids, Harbor Springs, New Buffalo, Beverly Hills, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Northville. These cities have a few common characteristics such as their proximity to major metropolitan areas, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and luxurious amenities.
Are you considering a move to Michigan, but concerned about the cost of living? Or maybe you’re a current resident looking to relocate to a different part of the state but want to ensure you can afford it.
Whatever your situation, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of which cities in Michigan have the highest cost of living.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most expensive cities to live in Michigan and provide you with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.
We’ll examine the factors that contribute to the high cost of living in these cities, such as housing, transportation, and food expenses. So, if you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate the high cost of living in Michigan, keep reading.
By the end of this post, you’ll have the tools you need to make informed decisions about where to live and how to save money.
Most Expensive Cities in Michigan
1. Birmingham
Birmingham, a suburb of Detroit, ranks as one of Michigan’s upscale cities to live in. With a population of around 21,000 people, this city has a lot to offer its residents.
The median home value here stands at an impressive $656,150, nearly double the national average. Living costs in Birmingham are also quite high – goods and services cost around 39.6% more than the national average.
Many people choose to live here due to its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. Plus, it’s conveniently close to Detroit for work and entertainment purposes.
Those considering a move to Birmingham should be prepared for higher living expenses but can expect an upscale lifestyle with great amenities in return.
2. Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills is regarded as one of the state’s most expensive places to live. With a population of around 4,000 people, this city offers a prestigious lifestyle for its residents.
The median home value in Bloomfield Hills is around $607,375, while the median household income stands at an impressive $177,614. This high cost of living is attributed to several factors such as top-notch schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of luxury amenities.
Another advantage is its close proximity to downtown Detroit, which has seen significant growth in recent years. While the costs could be overwhelming for some, living in Bloomfield Hills promises a luxurious experience with access to excellent facilities and opportunities.
3. East Grand Rapids
East Grand Rapids is known as one of Michigan’s most expensive places to live, with a population of around 11,000 people. The average home value in this city stands at $613,801, contributing to the high cost of living.
Despite these costs, East Grand Rapids remains a desirable place for families due to its excellent school system, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community.
People who choose to live here can expect a higher price tag but will enjoy the quality of life benefits that come with living in East Grand Rapids.
Its reputation for safety, good education, and various recreational opportunities make it an attractive location for those who are willing to invest in a more upscale lifestyle.
4. Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs, a small town in northern Michigan, is recognized for its costly homes and elevated cost of living. With a population of around 1,200 people, this quaint town offers picturesque scenery and various activities to indulge in.
The median home value in Harbor Springs is about $590,000, while the average cost of a gallon of milk exceeds $5.00. Despite the steep prices, it remains a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy golf courses, ski resorts, art galleries, and unique shops.
Living in Harbor Springs might be expensive but provides residents with beautiful surroundings and numerous leisure options that make it an appealing place to call home.
5. New Buffalo
New Buffalo, a city in southwestern Michigan, tops the list as one of the most expensive cities in the state. With a population of around 1,800 people, this city offers a high quality of life for its residents.
The average home price in New Buffalo is about $634,923, and the median rent is close to $2,000. Although it’s an expensive place to live, it boasts excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of things to do.
One reason for New Buffalo’s high cost of living is its popularity as a tourist destination coupled with limited housing options.
6. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, Michigan, stands out as one of the most expensive cities in the state. With a population of around 10,000 people, this city offers an upscale lifestyle for its residents.
The average price for a home in Beverly Hills is over $520,283, and the median household income is more than $127,419. The high cost of living here can be attributed to its exclusive zip code and some of the priciest real estate in the country.
For these costs, Beverly Hills remains a sought-after place to live due to its top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and accessibility to major metropolitan areas.
7. Grosse Pointe Farms
Grosse Pointe Farms is among Michigan’s most expensive cities to live in, with a population of about 9,142 people. The cost of living here is 34% higher than the national average, boasting a median home value of $492,489 and a median household income of $143,711.
This city’s reputation for luxury homes and high-end shopping districts adds appeal to its upscale lifestyle. Despite the high cost of living, Grosse Pointe Farms remains an attractive place to call home due to its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and fine dining options.
Residents also enjoy easy access to Detroit’s cultural amenities. Limited land availability and proximity to downtown Detroit contribute to the high housing costs in this area, but those who choose to live here can look forward to enjoying a comfortable and sophisticated lifestyle.
8. Northville
Northville, a small city in Michigan with a population of just over 5,000, is home to some of the state’s most expensive real estate. The median home value in Northville is around $549,857, while median rent prices hover above $2,000.
Despite these costs, residents have access to upscale shops and restaurants that cater to their sophisticated tastes. Northville’s public schools are among the best in the state, making it an attractive location for families.
The high cost of living here is influenced by its proximity to Detroit and limited housing options due to its small size.
9. Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, located in Washtenaw County, is home to around 114,000 people and the University of Michigan, making it one of the most expensive cities in the state.
The city’s cost of living is about 17.5% higher than the national average. Housing costs are particularly steep, with a median home price of approximately $487,070. Ann Arbor also has a sales tax rate of 6%.
Despite these expenses, it remains an attractive place to live due to its vibrant culture and abundance of excellent restaurants and shops. The city also offers numerous parks and recreation areas for residents to enjoy.
10. Huntington Woods
Huntington Woods, a city in Michigan with a population of around 6,300 people, is known for being one of the state’s most expensive places to live. The cost of living here is quite high, yet the city remains an attractive location due to its excellent schools and numerous amenities.
The median home price in Huntington Woods stands at $486,239, contributing to the overall elevated living costs. High property taxes and a thriving shopping and dining scene are some other factors that impact the cost of living here.
Despite these expenses, residents enjoy a comfortable and refined lifestyle with access to top-quality facilities and opportunities in this prestigious city.