Parchment, MI vs Swartz Creek, MI

Parchment, MI and Swartz Creek, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Parchment scores 79 while Swartz Creek scores 75 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 Parchment is $1,024/month compared to $995/month in Swartz Creek — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Swartz Creek is more affordable at $168,900 median vs $178,400.

Median household income in Parchment is $54,572 compared to $73,862 in Swartz Creek (-26.1%). Swartz Creek offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Parchment spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Swartz Creek.