Hastings, MI vs Shelby, MI

Shelby is moderately more affordable than Hastings, with a 10% lower cost of living index. Hastings scores 70 compared to 64 for Shelby, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hastings can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hastings is $785/month compared to $682/month in Shelby — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelby is more affordable at $124,000 median vs $159,000.

Median household income in Hastings is $56,309 compared to $53,309 in Shelby (+5.6%). The higher salaries in Hastings partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hastings spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.4% in Shelby.