Skip to main content
LiveWhere us
Houghton, MI

Cost of living in Houghton County, MI

Estimated monthly cost
$2,416/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 37,428 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $780 32%
Healthcare $480 20%
Groceries $326 13%
Transport $250 10%
Federal tax $250 10%
Energy $191 8%
State tax $89 4%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Houghton County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$776
per month
1 bedroom
$780
per month
2 bedroom
$933
per month
3 bedroom
$1,307
per month
4 bedroom
$1,567
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Houghton County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$56,573
per year
Individual earnings
$25,239
per year
Per capita
$31,441
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Houghton County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$140,300
Annual property tax
$1,780

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Houghton 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 Houghton County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.0%

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 Houghton 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 Houghton County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
15.9 min
Drive alone
65.4%
Public transit
2.1%
Work from home
9.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Houghton County

What it costs to live in Houghton County each month.

Single person
$2,416
per month
  • Rent $780
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $250
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $250
  • State tax $89
Couple
$3,772
per month
  • Rent $933
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $350
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $596
  • State tax $200
Family
$6,279
per month
  • Rent $1,307
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $450
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $596
  • State tax $200

Frequently asked questions about Houghton County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Houghton County?

In Houghton County, MI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $780 per month, a two-bedroom averages $933 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,307 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Houghton County?

In Houghton County, MI, the average household income is $56,573 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $25,239 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Houghton County?

The estimated cost of living in Houghton County, MI is approximately $2,416 per month for a single person, $3,772 for a couple, $6,279 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Houghton County?

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

Is Houghton County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Houghton County, MI would need approximately $2,416 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $56,573 per year ($4,714 per month). Houghton County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Houghton County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Houghton County, MI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Houghton County?

The average home value in Houghton County, MI is $140,300, with average annual property taxes of $1,780, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Houghton County compare to other areas?

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