A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
30%
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 Romulus Michigan National
Cost of living9291100
Goods & Services10096100
Groceries10199100
Health care10492100
Housing7076100
Transportation105100100
Utilities9997100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Romulus, MI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Romulus? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Romulus stands at 92, making it 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Romulus are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Romulus can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Romulus Affordable?

Wondering if Romulus is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Romulus, for example, the median home price is 40.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 4.9% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Romulus boasting a median household income of $92,425, which is 13.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Romulus?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Romulus, the transportation index stands at 4.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Romulus displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Romulus is 1% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Romulus is 8% lower than the national average
  • Romulus housing is 30% 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 Romulus

See all the best places to live around Romulus

Compare Romulus, MI Cost of Living

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      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$103,834$8,653$2,423$3,115
      Renters$55,815$4,651$1,302$1,675
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Romulus is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Romulus has a median income of about $103,834 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,423 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $55,815. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,302 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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 Romulus 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 Romulus 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 Romulus 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 Romulus National avg. Difference
      Home Price $193,084.00$326,622.0040.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,467.70$2,480.250.5%
      Apartment Rent $1,373.00$1,444.004.9%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item Romulus 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.
      River Rouge, MI7,7568019.6%
      Highland Park, MI11,0568217.9%
      Ecorse, MI9,6848416.4%
      Inkster, MI25,3338614.5%
      Melvindale, MI10,6858812.2%
      Romulus, MI24,336928.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Zion, IL24,329945.8%
      Allendale, MI24,3461055.4%
      Windsor, CO24,32413232.2%
      Searcy, AR24,3228614.3%
      Anthem, AZ24,32013433.9%
      Romulus, MI24,336928.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.