Auburn Hills, MI vs St. Clair Shores, MI

St. Clair Shores is moderately more affordable than Auburn Hills, with a 13.2% lower cost of living index. Auburn Hills scores 96 compared to 85 for St. Clair Shores, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Auburn Hills can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn Hills is $1,411/month compared to $1,143/month in St. Clair Shores — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: St. Clair Shores is more affordable at $196,400 median vs $233,900.

Median household income in Auburn Hills is $78,727 compared to $72,693 in St. Clair Shores (+8.3%). The higher salaries in Auburn Hills partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn Hills spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.9% in St. Clair Shores.