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Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI

Cost of living in Ottawa County, MI

Part of the Grand Rapids Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,225/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 298,614 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,197 37%
Federal tax $514 16%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $326 10%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $191 6%
State tax $147 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Ottawa County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$953
per month
1 bedroom
$1,197
per month
2 bedroom
$1,363
per month
3 bedroom
$1,750
per month
4 bedroom
$1,990
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Ottawa County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$87,144
per year
Individual earnings
$41,480
per year
Per capita
$40,682
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Ottawa County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$291,200
Annual property tax
$3,078

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Ottawa 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 Ottawa County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.2%

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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.4 min
Drive alone
78.8%
Public transit
0.5%
Work from home
9.4%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Ottawa County

What it costs to live in Ottawa County each month.

Single person
$3,225
per month
  • Rent $1,197
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $514
  • State tax $147
Couple
$4,881
per month
  • Rent $1,363
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,096
  • State tax $309
Family
$7,401
per month
  • Rent $1,750
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,096
  • State tax $309

Frequently asked questions about Ottawa County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Ottawa County?

In Ottawa County, MI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,197 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,363 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,750 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Ottawa County?

In Ottawa County, MI, the average household income is $87,144 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,480 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Ottawa County?

The estimated cost of living in Ottawa County, MI is approximately $3,225 per month for a single person, $4,881 for a couple, $7,401 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Ottawa County?

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

Is Ottawa County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Ottawa County, MI would need approximately $3,225 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $87,144 per year ($7,262 per month). Ottawa County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Ottawa County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Ottawa County, MI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Ottawa County?

The average home value in Ottawa County, MI is $291,200, with average annual property taxes of $3,078, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Ottawa County compare to other areas?

You can compare Ottawa County, MI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Ottawa County is in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, 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 Ottawa 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