Auburn, MI vs Houghton Lake, MI

Houghton Lake is moderately more affordable than Auburn, with a 13.6% lower cost of living index. Auburn scores 76 compared to 67 for Houghton Lake, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Auburn can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $1,036/month compared to $791/month in Houghton Lake — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Houghton Lake is more affordable at $122,800 median vs $157,500.

Median household income in Auburn is $68,935 compared to $50,861 in Houghton Lake (+35.5%). While Auburn is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 18% of their income on rent, less than the 18.7% in Houghton Lake.