Cost of Living in Forest Hills, MI

With a cost of living index of 131, Forest Hills, MI is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 31% more expensive than the national average and 53% above the Michigan state average of 78. With a population of 28,494, Forest Hills is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Forest Hills's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,950 (48% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $474,800 (56% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Forest Hills is $156,618, which is 108% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.