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Traverse City, MI

Cost of living in Benzie County, MI

Part of the Traverse City Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,764/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 18,177 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $870 31%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $404 15%
Groceries $326 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $191 7%
State tax $123 4%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Benzie County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$799
per month
1 bedroom
$870
per month
2 bedroom
$1,141
per month
3 bedroom
$1,375
per month
4 bedroom
$1,513
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Benzie County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$72,603
per year
Individual earnings
$34,788
per year
Per capita
$40,984
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Benzie County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$254,400
Annual property tax
$2,119

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Benzie 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 Benzie County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.8%

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 Benzie 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 Benzie County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
24.8 min
Drive alone
78.4%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
10.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Benzie County

What it costs to live in Benzie County each month.

Single person
$2,764
per month
  • Rent $870
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $404
  • State tax $123
Couple
$4,369
per month
  • Rent $1,141
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $858
  • State tax $257
Family
$6,736
per month
  • Rent $1,375
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $858
  • State tax $257

Frequently asked questions about Benzie County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Benzie County?

In Benzie County, MI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $870 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,141 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,375 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Benzie County?

In Benzie County, MI, the average household income is $72,603 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $34,788 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Benzie County?

The estimated cost of living in Benzie County, MI is approximately $2,764 per month for a single person, $4,369 for a couple, $6,736 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Benzie County?

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

Is Benzie County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Benzie County, MI would need approximately $2,764 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $72,603 per year ($6,050 per month). Benzie County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Benzie County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Benzie County, MI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Benzie County?

The average home value in Benzie County, MI is $254,400, with average annual property taxes of $2,119, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Benzie County compare to other areas?

You can compare Benzie County, MI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Benzie County is in the Traverse City, 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 Benzie 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