What is the cost of living in Portage, MI?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Portage has an overall cost of living index of 96, which is 1.0x lower than the national index of 100.
Compared to Michigan, Portage has a cost of living index that's 1.1x higher than Michigan's index of 91.
The standard of living in Portage ranks as #114 most affordable out of the 179 places we measured in Michigan. By definition, that implies Portage ranks as the #65 most expensive place in the Wolverine State.
For more reading on life in Portage, check out:
Portage Cost Of Living Vs. Michigan
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Portage. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Portage is 94.
The Groceries index in Portage is 100.
The Health index in Portage is 93.
The Housing index in Portage is 100.
The Transportation index in Portage is 103.
The Utilities index in Portage is 98.
| Living Expense | Portage | Michigan | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 96 | 91 | 100 |
| Services | 94 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Health | 93 | 75 | 100 |
| Housing | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Transportation | 103 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 98 | 100 |
Portage Cost Of Living Compared To Michigan Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Michigan, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Portage Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Portage, MI Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Michigan, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Portage is $292,450.
The Median Rent in Portage is $1,133.
The Median Income in Portage is $83,212.
The Home Value To Income in Portage is 3.5x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Portage is 0.16x.
Portage, MI Costs By Category
Detailed Portage Services costs vs. Michigan
Detailed Portage Groceries costs vs. Michigan
Detailed Portage Health costs vs. Michigan
Detailed Portage Transportation costs vs. Michigan
Portage SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Portage
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Portage. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Kalamazoo, MI has a cost of living index of 87, 0.9x Portage.
Battle Creek, MI has a cost of living index of 87, 0.9x Portage.
Westwood, MI has a cost of living index of 94, 1.0x Portage.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Portage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo, MI | 73,076 | 87 | 0.9x |
| Battle Creek, MI | 52,374 | 87 | 0.9x |
| Westwood, MI | 8,867 | 94 | 1.0x |
| Three Rivers, MI | 7,943 | 83 | 0.9x |
| Eastwood, MI | 6,669 | 84 | 0.9x |
| Comstock Northwest, MI | 5,391 | 94 | 1.0x |
