Kalamazoo, MI vs Southgate, MI

Kalamazoo, MI and Southgate, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.5% difference in their overall index. Kalamazoo scores 78 while Southgate scores 81 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 Kalamazoo is $1,031/month compared to $1,102/month in Southgate — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kalamazoo is more affordable at $164,500 median vs $165,400.

Median household income in Kalamazoo is $48,965 compared to $64,635 in Southgate (-24.2%). While Southgate is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kalamazoo spend roughly 25.3% of their income on rent, more than the 20.5% in Southgate.