Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MI

With a cost of living index of 86, St. Joseph, MI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and 8% above the Michigan state average of 78. St. Joseph is a smaller community of 7,805 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in St. Joseph's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,079 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $271,100 (11% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in St. Joseph is $77,765, which is 3% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Niles, 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.