A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
15%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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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 Trenton Michigan National
Cost of living9689100
Goods & Services10293100
Groceries10399100
Health care10293100
Housing8574100
Transportation10097100
Utilities94101100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Trenton, MI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Trenton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Trenton is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Trenton are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Trenton can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Trenton Affordable?

Wondering if Trenton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Trenton, for example, the median home price is 15.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 15.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Trenton boasting a median household income of $69,710, which is 26% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Trenton?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Trenton, the groceries index is 3.4% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Trenton, the housing index is 15.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Trenton 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.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Trenton is 7% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Trenton is 4% lower than the national average
  • Trenton housing is 15% lower 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 Trenton

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Compare Trenton, MI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      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$77,057$6,421$1,798$2,312
      Renters$34,123$2,844$796$1,024
      The affordability of the housing market in Trenton, MI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Trenton homeowners, the median income is $77,057. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,798 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $34,123. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $796 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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 Trenton National avg. Difference
      Haircut $16.80$24.2630.8%
      Beauty Salon $24.78$45.5645.6%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.13$1.2811.8%
      Movie $12.99$12.137.1%
      Bowling $12.33$18.0031.5%

      Groceries

      Item Trenton National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.75$5.841.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.4%
      Milk $4.78$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $4.80$4.932.8%
      Pizza $8.99$12.0925.6%
      Beer $9.04$10.4113.2%

      Health Care

      Item Trenton National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $85.00$125.6832.4%
      Doctor $103.33$135.7823.9%
      Dentist $91.00$113.2919.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.22$10.654.1%
      Lipitor $490.11$468.604.6%

      Housing

      Item Trenton National avg. Difference
      Home Price $156,200.00$184,700.0015.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,709.07$2,346.6927.2%
      Apartment Rent $805.00$949.0015.2%

      Transportation

      Item Trenton National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.35$3.463.1%
      Tire Balancing $56.00$59.926.5%

      Utilities

      Item Trenton National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.20$193.9913.0%
      Phone $184.44$192.254.1%
      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.
      River Rouge, MI7,4658019.9%
      Ecorse, MI9,4568316.8%
      Detroit, MI672,3518415.5%
      Inkster, MI24,3988515.1%
      Melvindale, MI10,3008712.7%
      Trenton, MI18,214964.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Marshfield, WI18,2148614.4%
      Steinbach, MB18,212n/a 
      Cudahy, WI18,211973.4%
      Pecan Grove, TX18,20411313.4%
      Burlington, KY18,2031011.4%
      Trenton, MI18,214964.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.