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Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Cost of living in Pontiac, Michigan

Oakland County, MI

Part of the Detroit Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,384/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 1,272,294 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,090 32%
Federal tax $733 22%
Healthcare $480 14%
Groceries $326 10%
Transport $320 9%
State tax $194 6%
Energy $191 6%
Water $50 1%

Rent in Pontiac

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$991
per month
1 bedroom
$1,090
per month
2 bedroom
$1,378
per month
3 bedroom
$1,688
per month
4 bedroom
$1,827
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Pontiac

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$95,296
per year
Individual earnings
$54,878
per year
Per capita
$55,114
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Pontiac

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$320,400
Annual property tax
$4,241

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Pontiac

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 Pontiac

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.9%

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 Pontiac

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 Pontiac

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
26.0 min
Drive alone
73.4%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
18.0%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Pontiac

What it costs to live in Pontiac each month.

Single person
$3,384
per month
  • Rent $1,090
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $733
  • State tax $194
Couple
$5,059
per month
  • Rent $1,378
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,230
  • State tax $338
Family
$7,502
per month
  • Rent $1,688
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,230
  • State tax $338

Frequently asked questions about Pontiac

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Pontiac?

In Pontiac, Michigan, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,090 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,378 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,688 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Pontiac?

In Pontiac, Michigan, the average household income is $95,296 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $54,878 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Pontiac?

The estimated cost of living in Pontiac, Michigan is approximately $3,384 per month for a single person, $5,059 for a couple, $7,502 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Pontiac?

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

Is Pontiac an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Pontiac, Michigan would need approximately $3,384 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $95,296 per year ($7,941 per month). Pontiac is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Pontiac?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Pontiac, Michigan is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Pontiac?

The average home value in Pontiac, Michigan is $320,400, with average annual property taxes of $4,241, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Pontiac compare to other areas?

You can compare Pontiac, Michigan with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Pontiac is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, 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 Pontiac 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