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Alpena, MI

Cost of living in Alpena County, MI

Estimated monthly cost
$2,575/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 28,908 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $745 29%
Healthcare $480 19%
Federal tax $351 14%
Groceries $326 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $191 7%
State tax $112 4%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Alpena County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$640
per month
1 bedroom
$745
per month
2 bedroom
$933
per month
3 bedroom
$1,165
per month
4 bedroom
$1,567
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Alpena County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$51,909
per year
Individual earnings
$31,525
per year
Per capita
$33,093
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Alpena County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$137,800
Annual property tax
$1,556

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Alpena County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$128
per month · 19.7¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,292
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Alpena County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
5.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Alpena County

State and local tax rates for Michigan.

State income tax
4.3%
Flat rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Alpena County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
17.6 min
Drive alone
77.5%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
8.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Alpena County

What it costs to live in Alpena County each month.

Single person
$2,575
per month
  • Rent $745
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $351
  • State tax $112
Couple
$3,750
per month
  • Rent $933
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $520
  • State tax $184
Family
$6,115
per month
  • Rent $1,165
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $520
  • State tax $184

Frequently asked questions about Alpena County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Alpena County?

In Alpena County, MI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $745 per month, a two-bedroom averages $933 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,165 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Alpena County?

In Alpena County, MI, the average household income is $51,909 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $31,525 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Alpena County?

The estimated cost of living in Alpena County, MI is approximately $2,575 per month for a single person, $3,750 for a couple, $6,115 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Alpena County?

The combined sales tax rate in Alpena County, MI is 6.00%, which includes the Michigan state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Alpena County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Alpena County, MI would need approximately $2,575 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $51,909 per year ($4,326 per month). Alpena County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Alpena County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Alpena County, MI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Alpena County?

The average home value in Alpena County, MI is $137,800, with average annual property taxes of $1,556, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Alpena County compare to other areas?

You can compare Alpena County, MI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Alpena County is in the Alpena, MI metro area.

Other counties in Michigan

Browse the full list of counties in Michigan, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Michigan

Compare Alpena County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources