Birmingham, MI

Very High · 175

Michigan · Population 21,612 · Updated March 2026

$1,891
Median Rent / Month
$153,125
Median Income
$712,700
Median Home Value
$2,422
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Birmingham

14.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Michigan

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.25%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.38%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$22,692
Annual Rent
$6,508
State Income Tax
$9,835
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Birmingham has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 175 (where 100 equals the national median), Birmingham residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,891/month while earning a median household income of $153,125/year.

The median home value in Birmingham, MI is $712,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,422 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Michigan has a moderate income tax rate of 4.25%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.38% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Birmingham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Birmingham

What is the cost of living in Birmingham, MI?
The cost of living index in Birmingham, MI is 175 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,891, median household income is $153,125/year, and the median home value is $712,700.
Is Birmingham, MI affordable?
No, Birmingham is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 175. The rent-to-income ratio is 14.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Birmingham, MI?
The median gross rent in Birmingham, MI is $1,891 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,692.
What is the median household income in Birmingham?
The median household income in Birmingham, MI is $153,125 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Michigan?
Michigan has a top income tax rate of 4.25%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.38%.