A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Allendale Michigan National
Cost of living10089100
Goods & Services9093100
Groceries9599100
Health care9493100
Housing11474100
Transportation9597100
Utilities102101100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Allendale, MI

Knowing the cost of living in Allendale allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Allendale stands at 100, marking it 0% equal to the national average.

The cost of living in Allendale is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Allendale Affordable?

Is Allendale affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Allendale, for instance, where the median home price falls 17.7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 4.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Allendale flaunting a median household income of $57,706, 4.3% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Allendale?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Allendale, is 13.7% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Allendale comes in at 2.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Allendale, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 4.25%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Allendale displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Allendale Area
Search Homes for Sale in Allendale, MI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Allendale is 12% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Allendale is equal to the national average
  • Allendale housing is 14% higher than the national average
  • Michigan general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Michigan state income tax is 64% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Allendale

See all the best places to live around Allendale

Compare Allendale, MI Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Allendale?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Allendale?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Allendale poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,491$7,791$2,181$2,805
      Renters$31,035$2,586$724$931
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Allendale, MI, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Allendale, homeowners have a median income of $93,491. Using that number, a maximum of $2,181 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $31,035, which means there is a maximum of $724 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Michigan Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Michigan 6% 6%

      Michigan Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Michigan 4.25% 4.25%

      Goods & Services

      Item Allendale National avg. Difference
      Haircut $24.53$24.261.1%
      Beauty Salon $56.27$45.5623.5%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.8%
      Shampoo $1.40$1.289.1%
      Movie $11.22$12.137.5%
      Bowling $22.17$18.0023.1%

      Groceries

      Item Allendale National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.51$5.845.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.69$1.577.7%
      Milk $4.84$4.673.6%
      Potatoes $4.77$4.933.3%
      Pizza $10.99$12.099.1%
      Beer $9.38$10.419.9%

      Health Care

      Item Allendale National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $91.40$125.6827.3%
      Doctor $139.14$135.782.5%
      Dentist $120.35$113.296.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.88$10.652.1%
      Lipitor $504.80$468.607.7%

      Housing

      Item Allendale National avg. Difference
      Home Price $217,300.00$184,700.0017.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,520.64$2,346.697.4%
      Apartment Rent $992.00$949.004.5%

      Transportation

      Item Allendale National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.2%
      Tire Balancing $60.57$59.921.1%

      Utilities

      Item Allendale National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $180.47$193.997.0%
      Phone $184.98$192.253.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Muskegon Heights, MI10,7357722.9%
      Ravenna, MI1,4058514.6%
      Sparta, MI4,3908812.3%
      Fruitport, MI1,2228911.0%
      Wyoming, MI75,9999010.4%
      Allendale, MI23,6961000.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pelham, AL23,7071022.0%
      Edgewater, FL23,710981.9%
      Windsor, CO23,67913231.5%
      Zion, IL23,677973.4%
      Newberg, OR23,67612727.0%
      Allendale, MI23,6961000.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.