Cost of Living in Garden, MI

With a cost of living index of 63, Garden, MI is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 37% cheaper than the national average and 15% below the Michigan state average of 78. Garden is a small community of 163 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Garden's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $775 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $80,000 (74% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Garden is $35,250, which is 53% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.