Cost of living in Bay County, MI
Part of the Bay City Metro Area
Population 103,235 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Bay County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Bay County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Bay County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Bay County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Bay County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
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 Bay County
State and local tax rates for Michigan.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Bay County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Bay County
What it costs to live in Bay County each month.
- Rent $769
- Energy $191
- Water $50
- Groceries $326
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $471
- State tax $138
- Rent $976
- Energy $229
- Water $60
- Groceries $540
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $660
- State tax $214
- Rent $1,305
- Energy $286
- Water $70
- Groceries $820
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $660
- State tax $214
Frequently asked questions about Bay County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Bay County?
In Bay County, MI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $769 per month, a two-bedroom averages $976 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,305 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Bay County?
In Bay County, MI, the average household income is $60,523 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,869 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Bay County?
The estimated cost of living in Bay County, MI is approximately $2,745 per month for a single person, $3,963 for a couple, $6,425 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Bay County?
The combined sales tax rate in Bay County, MI is 6.00%, which includes the Michigan state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Bay County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Bay County, MI would need approximately $2,745 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $60,523 per year ($5,044 per month). Bay County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Bay County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Bay County, MI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Bay County?
The average home value in Bay County, MI is $135,100, with average annual property taxes of $2,205, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Bay County compare to other areas?
You can compare Bay County, MI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Bay County is in the Bay City, MI metro area.
Other counties in Michigan
Browse the full list of counties in Michigan, ranked by cost of living.
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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