Benton Heights, MI vs New Buffalo, MI

The cost of living difference between Benton Heights, MI and New Buffalo, MI is dramatic. Benton Heights is 34.8% cheaper than New Buffalo, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Benton Heights has a cost index of 55 while New Buffalo sits at 85, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Benton Heights is $546/month compared to $825/month in New Buffalo — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Benton Heights is more affordable at $87,500 median vs $342,700.

Median household income in Benton Heights is $33,871 compared to $64,524 in New Buffalo (-47.5%). While New Buffalo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Benton Heights spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in New Buffalo.