Applegate, MI vs Saugatuck, MI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Applegate is 26.4% cheaper than Saugatuck. With a cost index of 73 vs 99, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Applegate to Saugatuck should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Applegate is $1,063/month compared to $505/month in Saugatuck — a 111% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Saugatuck has cheaper rent, Applegate actually has lower median home values ($93,800 vs $619,400).

Median household income in Applegate is $62,667 compared to $118,309 in Saugatuck (-47%). While Saugatuck is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Applegate spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, more than the 5.1% in Saugatuck.