A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
17%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Madison Heights Michigan National
Cost of living9691100
Goods & Services10096100
Groceries10199100
Health care10492100
Housing8376100
Transportation105100100
Utilities9997100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Madison Heights, MI

Understanding the cost of living in Madison Heights can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Madison Heights cost of living index is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Madison Heights is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Madison Heights Affordable?

Is Madison Heights affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Madison Heights, the median home price is 25.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 2.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Madison Heights boasting a median household income of $82,660, 1.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Madison Heights?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Madison Heights, the groceries index is 1.3% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Madison Heights, the healthcare costs are 3.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Madison Heights, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Madison Heights is 6% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Madison Heights is 4% lower than the national average
  • Madison Heights housing is 17% lower than the national average
  • Michigan general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Michigan state income tax is 64% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Madison Heights

See all the best places to live around Madison Heights

Compare Madison Heights, MI Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report
      How would you rate the cost of living in Madison Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Madison Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Madison Heights poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$92,230$7,686$2,152$2,767
      Renters$63,900$5,325$1,491$1,917
      The affordability of the housing market in Madison Heights, MI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Madison Heights homeowners, the median income is $92,230. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,152 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $63,900. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,491 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Michigan Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Michigan 6% 6%

      Michigan Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Michigan 4.25% 4.25%

      Goods & Services

      Item Madison Heights National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.73$27.626.8%
      Beauty Salon $62.43$51.1122.2%
      Toothpaste $4.28$4.094.6%
      Shampoo $1.57$1.541.8%
      Movie $11.35$12.8811.9%
      Yoga $23.07$19.6617.3%

      Groceries

      Item Madison Heights National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.54$7.702.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.76$1.665.9%
      Milk $4.87$4.732.9%
      Potatoes $5.40$5.262.7%
      Pizza $12.82$12.760.4%
      Beer $9.74$10.557.7%

      Health Care

      Item Madison Heights National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $92.07$140.0634.3%
      Doctor $180.95$153.8217.6%
      Dentist $140.54$123.1514.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.55$11.731.6%
      Lipitor $18.63$23.6121.1%

      Housing

      Item Madison Heights National avg. Difference
      Home Price $242,478.00$326,622.0025.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,467.70$2,480.250.5%
      Apartment Rent $1,483.00$1,444.002.7%

      Transportation

      Item Madison Heights National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.19$3.064.4%
      Tire Balancing $69.21$65.216.1%

      Utilities

      Item Madison Heights National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $221.41$220.120.6%
      Phone $188.92$195.713.5%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Highland Park, MI11,0568217.9%
      Detroit, MI692,0448515.2%
      Inkster, MI25,3338614.5%
      Hamtramck, MI22,1998613.8%
      Pontiac, MI61,7648712.9%
      Madison Heights, MI31,139964.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Milford Mill, MD31,14911212.2%
      Ballwin, MO31,1231098.9%
      Atascadero, CA31,15615757.1%
      North Royalton, OH31,1181011.3%
      Santa Paula, CA31,10114545.3%
      Madison Heights, MI31,139964.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.