Kalamazoo, MI

Very Low · 65

Michigan · Population 73,132 · Updated March 2026

$1,031
Median Rent / Month
$48,965
Median Income
$164,500
Median Home Value
$996
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Kalamazoo

25.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$12,372
Annual Rent
$2,081
State Income Tax
$2,270
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Kalamazoo is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 65 (where 100 equals the national median), Kalamazoo residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,031/month while earning a median household income of $48,965/year.

The median home value in Kalamazoo, MI is $164,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $996 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.3%, Kalamazoo falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Kalamazoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Kalamazoo

What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo, MI?
The cost of living index in Kalamazoo, MI is 65 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,031, median household income is $48,965/year, and the median home value is $164,500.
Is Kalamazoo, MI affordable?
Yes, Kalamazoo is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 65. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Kalamazoo, MI?
The median gross rent in Kalamazoo, MI is $1,031 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,372.
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo?
The median household income in Kalamazoo, MI is $48,965 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%.