Howell, MI vs Madison Heights, MI

Howell, MI and Madison Heights, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Howell scores 88 while Madison Heights scores 84 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 Howell is $1,121/month compared to $1,138/month in Madison Heights — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Howell has cheaper rent, Madison Heights actually has lower median home values ($190,300 vs $240,700).

Median household income in Howell is $57,122 compared to $66,726 in Madison Heights (-14.4%). Madison Heights offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Howell spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, more than the 20.5% in Madison Heights.