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Traverse City, MI

Cost of living in Leelanau County, MI

Part of the Traverse City Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,138/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 22,607 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,183 38%
Healthcare $480 15%
Federal tax $454 14%
Groceries $326 10%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $191 6%
State tax $134 4%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Leelanau County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$930
per month
1 bedroom
$1,183
per month
2 bedroom
$1,328
per month
3 bedroom
$1,600
per month
4 bedroom
$1,761
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Leelanau County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$91,943
per year
Individual earnings
$37,818
per year
Per capita
$53,601
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Leelanau County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$406,900
Annual property tax
$2,856

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Leelanau 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 Leelanau County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.1%

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 Leelanau 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 Leelanau County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.5 min
Drive alone
75.5%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
15.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Leelanau County

What it costs to live in Leelanau County each month.

Single person
$3,138
per month
  • Rent $1,183
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $454
  • State tax $134
Couple
$4,942
per month
  • Rent $1,328
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,175
  • State tax $326
Family
$7,347
per month
  • Rent $1,600
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,175
  • State tax $326

Frequently asked questions about Leelanau County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Leelanau County?

In Leelanau County, MI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,183 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,328 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,600 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Leelanau County?

In Leelanau County, MI, the average household income is $91,943 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $37,818 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Leelanau County?

The estimated cost of living in Leelanau County, MI is approximately $3,138 per month for a single person, $4,942 for a couple, $7,347 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Leelanau County?

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

Is Leelanau County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Leelanau County, MI would need approximately $3,138 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $91,943 per year ($7,662 per month). Leelanau County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Leelanau County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Leelanau County, MI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Leelanau County?

The average home value in Leelanau County, MI is $406,900, with average annual property taxes of $2,856, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Leelanau County compare to other areas?

You can compare Leelanau County, MI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Leelanau 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 Leelanau 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