Cost of Living in Paw Paw, MI

With a cost of living index of 67, Paw Paw, MI is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 33% cheaper than the national average and 11% below the Michigan state average of 78. Paw Paw is a small community of 3,277 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Paw Paw'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 $133,600 (56% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Paw Paw is $38,989, which is 48% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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.