Macomb County, Michigan, is a safe and welcoming community that offers a beautiful mix of urban and rural environments, a strong economy, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The county has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other parts of the country, with a thriving economy that boasts high-paying jobs, especially in the aerospace and defense sectors.
If you’re considering a move to Michigan, Macomb County might be the affordable gem you’re looking for.
This article outlines the essential components of Macomb County cost of living to help you determine if this place is the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Understanding the Overall Cost of Living in Macomb County, MI
The cost of living in Macomb County, MI, is approximately 4% below the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 95.9, according to a report from Macomb County Government.
The average total annual household expenditures are $42,873. This is lower compared to those in many metropolitan areas, allowing residents more discretionary income – the portion of a person’s or household’s income that is left after paying for basic expenses like food, housing, and taxes.
To put this into perspective, let’s compare the annual income of a professional living in Washington D.C., at $114,574, with that of the same position in Macomb County, at $97,021.
Income and Expenses | Washington D.C. | Macomb County |
Annual household income | $114,574 | $97,021 |
Cost of living index | 117.7 | 95.9 |
Food and groceries | $9,672.89 | $6,033.94 |
Housing and utilities | $44,283.08 | $26,845.80 |
Transportation | $14,071.09 | $9,993.38 |
Average total annual household expenditures | $68,027.06 | $42,873.12 |
Discretionary income | $46,547 | $54,148 |
After all basic costs and expenditures, such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and taxes, are deducted from their annual income, the person living in Washington D.C. would have a discretionary income $46,547, while the one in Macomb County would have $54,148.
Deep Dive Into Housing Costs
As of May 2025, the average home value in Macomb County was $270,497, reflecting a 3.3% increase over the past year.
The median sale price in April was $240,000, suggesting that many properties in Macomb County are selling below the average value and may offer potential bargains for buyers.
For renters, the average rent in Macomb County MI is around $1,743 per month. Apartment rent ranges from $1,274 for a one-bedroom to $1,997 for a two-bedroom; rent for houses is between $1,149 and $3,700.
Other Key Living Expenses
Aside from housing, other basic expenses that are taken into account when determining the cost of living in a particular location are transportation, utilities, groceries and food, and healthcare.
Below are tables showing the average costs of these basic needs in Oakland County, MI, to allow you to compare them with those of your current place of residence.
Transportation
Transportation costs in Macomb County are relatively low, estimated at an annual total of $9,993.38.
SMART bus fares range from $0.50 to $2.50, while taxi services can cost between $70 and $85 for a trip from Detroit to Macomb County.
Driving is generally the most cost-effective option for travel within the county, which costs around $5 to $8 for a trip from Detroit to Macomb Township.
Utilities
Utility costs in Macomb County, particularly for water and electricity, generally fall within a range that’s comparable to other areas in the state and the rest of the country.
The monthly electricity bill for residents in Macomb County ranges between $163 and $275 on average. Factors influencing energy costs include location, power plant providers, and time of usage.
Water and sewer rates are set by local municipalities. In some municipalities, like New Baltimore, water and sewer rates include commodity rates and readiness-to-serve charges. Other municipalities, like Washington Township, have a different rate structure for residential and commercial users, charging based on meter size.
Groceries and Food
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, food and groceries in Macomb County for a household are estimated at $6,033.94 annually. This translates to around $502.83 per month.
Individual spending on food and groceries can vary based on factors like household size, dietary needs, and shopping habits.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs in Macomb County vary depending on individual circumstances, such as insurance coverage and specific services needed.
In the state of Michigan, the average monthly health insurance premium is $561, but many residents are eligible for discounts, resulting in reduced insurance costs by $98 per month.
Macomb County provides its employees with a variety of medical and prescription drug plans at no cost.
Salary Needed to Live in Macomb County, MI
To arrive at the minimum salary needed to live in Macomb County, MI, it is essential to determine one’s living wage – the amount a full-time worker must earn on an hourly basis to cover the cost of their family’s basic needs.
In Macomb County, for one adult with no children, the living wage is set at $21.25 in order to cover the following basic expenses, including taxes.
Below is a breakdown of these expenses and the required annual income before taxes:
| Food: $4,074 |
| Medical: $3,053 |
| Housing: $11,989 |
| Transportation: $10,043 |
| Civic: $3,126 |
| Internet & Mobile: $1,540 |
| Other: $4,112 |
| Required annual income after taxes: $37,938 |
| Annual taxes: $6,260 |
| Required annual income before taxes: $44,198 |
Finding the Cheapest Places to Live in Macomb County, MI
This section enumerates the places with the lowest cost of living in Macomb County, MI, based on a report posted by Niche.com.
This list of the cheapest places to live in Macomb County MI was determined after taking into account key factors, including the county’s housing, food, and fuel costs, as well as the median tax rates.
| 1. Center Line |
Center Line offers diverse neighborhoods and proximity to bigger cities like Royal Oak and Detroit, making it a good choice for families looking for a peaceful neighborhood within driving distance to downtown life. |
| Average home value: $131,900 |
| 2. Mount Clemens |
Mount Clemens offers residents easy access to art centers, farmers markets, museums and more. |
| Average home value: $150,900 |
| 3. Fraser |
Fraser is preferred by families because of its above average public schools. The Arts Academy in the Woods is a free public charter academy for students interested in the arts. |
| Average home value: $178,900 |
| 4. Roseville |
The suburb of Roseville offers residents plenty of shopping options, convenient access to downtown Detroit, and a short drive to the lakefront. |
| Average home value: $129,400 |
| 5. Ray Township |
The majority of residents in Ray Township own their own homes. Ray is an excellent choice for those who prefer an active lifestyle, offering excellent parks like Wolcott Mill Metropark, a 2,625-acre park. |
| Average home value: $374,700 |
Conclusion
Macomb County, MI, with its affordable cost of living, along with other benefits, is a great place to call home.
If you’d like to explore the real estate offerings of this amazing county, give us a call today at 248-780-0942 or use this link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Macomb County, MI?
The cost of living in Macomb County, MI, is approximately 4% below the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 95.9.
What is the average rent in Macomb County, MI?
The average rent in Macomb County is around $1,743 per month. Apartment rent ranges from $1,274 for a one-bedroom to $1,997 for a two-bedroom; rent for houses is between $1,149 and $3,700.
What are the cheapest places to live in Macomb County, MI?
The cheapest places to live in Macomb County, MI are Center Line, Mount Clemens, Fraser, Roseville, and Ray Township.
