Custer, MI vs Merrill, MI

Custer, MI and Merrill, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.9% difference in their overall index. Custer scores 63 while Merrill scores 61 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Custer is $738/month compared to $722/month in Merrill — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $89,700 median vs $100,000.

Median household income in Custer is $66,875 compared to $47,000 in Merrill (+42.3%). While Custer is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Custer spend roughly 13.2% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Merrill.