Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Very Low · 50

Michigan · Population 13,373 · Updated March 2026

$787
Median Rent / Month
$55,031
Median Income
$127,300
Median Home Value
$785
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Sault Ste. Marie

17.2%
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

$9,444
Annual Rent
$2,339
State Income Tax
$1,757
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Sault Ste. Marie is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 50 (where 100 equals the national median), Sault Ste. Marie residents can expect to pay median rent of $787/month while earning a median household income of $55,031/year.

The median home value in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $127,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $785 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% 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 Sault Ste. Marie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Sault Ste. Marie

What is the cost of living in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
The cost of living index in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is 50 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $787, median household income is $55,031/year, and the median home value is $127,300.
Is Sault Ste. Marie, MI affordable?
Yes, Sault Ste. Marie is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 50. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
The median gross rent in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $787 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $9,444.
What is the median household income in Sault Ste. Marie?
The median household income in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $55,031 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%.