Cost of Living in Burton, MI: What Residents and Newcomers Should Know

Cost of Living in Burton, MI

The cost of living affects where we choose to call home. It shapes daily decisions for long-time residents and new arrivals alike. In Burton, MI, understanding the cost of living means looking at everything from rent and housing to utilities, food, and day-to-day expenses. This guide covers what you need to know so you can budget confidently and make the most of your time here.

Understanding the Cost of Living Score

The cost of living score compares how expensive it is to live in one place versus another. It’s based on indexes that track the price of key items—like rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities—using national surveys and regional data.

• U.S. average cost of living score: 100
• Burton, MI: around 82–85, more affordable than many U.S. cities
• Nearby comparison:
• Flint: ~80–83
• Ann Arbor: 110+

Overall, Burton offers a cost-effective alternative to many nearby metro areas.

Housing & Rent

For most people, housing is the largest expense—and in Burton, it’s comfortably below the national average.

Home prices

• Single-family homes: $145,000–$170,000
• Condos & townhouses: $90,000–$130,000 (size/location dependent)

Typical rent

• Studio: $600–$750/month
• 1-bedroom: $750–$850/month
• 2-bedroom: $850–$1,000/month
• 3-bedroom: $1,050–$1,250/month

What salary do you need?

A common rule of thumb is to keep housing at 30% or less of your monthly income. For a median-priced 2-bedroom rental (~$925/month), that works out to an annual salary of $37,000+. Homeownership has higher upfront costs but can be very affordable long-term in Burton.

Transportation & Commute Costs

Burton doesn’t have trains or subways, but it’s well connected by road and bus.

• Public transit: MTA bus system links Burton with Flint and nearby towns
• Monthly pass: ~$45
• Car ownership (most common option):
• Gas: ~$3.30/gallon
• Insurance: $110–$150/month (varies by driver)
• Parking: Mostly free in residential areas; some downtown lots may require permits
• Average one-way commute: 20–25 minutes, with occasional I-69 traffic

Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available, with typical in-town rides around $8–$15.

Utilities & Monthly Bills

Average monthly costs for a typical household:

• Electricity: $70–$110
• Gas: $40–$70
• Water/sewer/trash: $45–$65
• Internet: $40–$70 (Xfinity, AT&T, etc.)
• Mobile phone: $30–$60 per line

Some neighborhoods include a small utility tax or seasonal hookup fees (~$25–$50/year).

Food & Groceries

Stores like Kroger, Meijer, and Aldi help keep grocery bills reasonable.

• Weekly groceries for one person: $50–$75
• Approximate prices:
• Milk: $2.80/gallon
• Eggs: $2/dozen
• Chicken breast: $3/lb
• Apples: $1.20/lb

Dining out

• Casual meal: $13–$18 per person
• Mid-range restaurant: $25–$35 per person
• Coffee shops: $2.50–$5 per drink

Tip: Summer farmers’ markets and discount grocers are great for fresh, budget-friendly finds.

Healthcare Expenses

Healthcare costs vary, but here are typical ranges:

• Individual health insurance: $250–$350/month (less with employer plans)
• Primary care visit (no insurance): $110–$140
• Specialist visit: $200–$250
• Generic prescriptions: $10–$25/month copay
• Brand-name medications: often about double that

Goods & Services

Everyday services are generally affordable:

• Haircut: $20–$30
• House cleaning: $60–$90 per visit
• Laundry (laundromat): ~$2/wash and $2/dry
• Gym memberships: $20–$45/month
• Streaming/cable/music subscriptions: $10–$50/month depending on your mix

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the area shows moderate inflation and relatively stable prices compared to larger cities.

Fitness & Entertainment

There’s plenty to do without breaking the bank:

• Commercial gyms: $35–$50/month
• Fitness/yoga/pilates classes: $12–$18 per class
• Movie tickets: $9–$13
• Local sports and live music: $10–$25 for general admission
• Outdoor fun: Parks, trails, and public spaces are free or low-cost

Comparing Burton, MI with Other Cities

• Versus Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing: Burton has lower rent and cheaper groceries
• Versus many U.S. cities of similar size: Overall cost of living is ~15–20% lower

This makes Burton attractive for people who want Michigan living without big-city prices.

Salaries & Job Opportunities

Key local sectors include education, automotive services, retail, and healthcare.

• Median household income: $49,000–$53,000
• Per capita income: ~$26,000
• Typical salary ranges:
• Entry-level: $28,000–$35,000
• Skilled trades & healthcare: $40,000–$65,000+

Job market outlook: steady growth, particularly in skilled trades and healthcare over the next several years.

Can I Afford Burton, MI?

A simple budgeting framework:

• 50% – Needs (housing, utilities, groceries, transport)
• 30% – Wants (dining out, entertainment, shopping)
• 20% – Savings and debt repayment

Because Burton is relatively affordable, many residents find they can save more than they could in larger metro areas, while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

What Does AI Say About Burton, MI?

AI-based city scorecards often highlight:

• Strong value in housing and groceries
• Moderate utility costs
• Access to parks and outdoor spaces at low or no cost

Remember: AI uses past and regional averages. Your actual experience will depend on your job, family size, and lifestyle—so treat these as guideposts, not guarantees.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Burton, MI

Average rent by bedroom size

• Studio: $650/month
• 1-bedroom: $800/month
• 2-bedroom: $950/month
• 3-bedroom: $1,150/month

Are there first-time homebuyer programs?

Yes. Check with local banks and MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) for down payment assistance and low-interest loans.

Is public transit cheaper than owning a car?

If you live and work close to MTA bus routes, it can be. However, most households prefer the flexibility of owning a car.

Do utilities spike in winter?

Yes—gas bills usually rise from November through March (sometimes up to double summer levels), while electricity and water stay fairly steady.

Is dining out expensive?

Not compared to big cities. Burton’s restaurants are budget-friendly for both singles and families.

Typical salary range?

• Entry-level: $28,000–$35,000
• Skilled trades/healthcare: $40,000–$65,000+

Final Thoughts

Burton, MI offers a comfortable Midwestern lifestyle with a cost of living that helps your paycheck go further. Whether you’re renting, buying, or just comparing locations, the numbers here are friendly to most budgets.

If you’re relocating, downsizing, or simply need extra space, consider self storage in Burton, MI to keep your move organized and stress-free.