Cost of Living in Battle Creek, MI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $985 (excluding rent), and $2,453 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,407 (excluding rent), and $4,847 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.38 $17.38

$9.93 $9.93

$49.66 $49.66

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$64.5 $64.5

$41.48 $41.48

$98.8 $98.8

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.93 $9.93

$9.8 $9.8

$12.91 $12.91

Cappuccino

$4.22 $4.22

$2.98 $2.98

$6.95 $6.95

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.43 $2.43

$1.95 $1.95

$2.93 $2.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$0.99 $0.99

$2.66 $2.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.56 $3.56

$3.42 $3.42

$7.81 $7.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.48 $4.48

$4.09 $4.09

$10.23 $10.23

Milk (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.64 $0.64

$1.27 $1.27

White Bread (500g)

$3.26 $3.26

$1.94 $1.94

$5.55 $5.55

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.74 $5.74

$3.32 $3.32

$11.04 $11.04

Eggs

$3.27 $3.27

$1.96 $1.96

$4.41 $4.41

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.16 $11.16

$6.69 $6.69

$44.66 $44.66

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.8 $11.8

$5.65 $5.65

$30.44 $30.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.41 $15.41

$14.31 $14.31

$33.02 $33.02

Apples (1kg)

$4.66 $4.66

$2.81 $2.81

$13.45 $13.45

Banana (1kg)

$1.23 $1.23

$1.11 $1.11

$3.39 $3.39

Oranges (1kg)

$5.83 $5.83

$1.76 $1.76

$17.57 $17.57

Tomato (1kg)

$6.22 $6.22

$2.22 $2.22

$8.91 $8.91

Potato (1kg)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.31 $1.31

$8.76 $8.76

Onion (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$0.87 $0.87

$5.58 $5.58

Lettuce (1 head)

$2 $2

$1.35 $1.35

$2.91 $2.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.49 $1.49

$2.97 $2.97

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.95 $9.95

$9.75 $9.75

$10.93 $10.93

Wine (Bottle)

$11.98 $11.98

$9.97 $9.97

$29.94 $29.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.44 $1.44

$4.31 $4.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44 $2.44

$1.46 $1.46

$3.9 $3.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.27 $1.27

$2.03 $2.03

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.52 $2.52

$3.02 $3.02

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.36 $1.36

$0.9 $0.9

$1.36 $1.36

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$47.34 $47.34

$19.73 $19.73

$47.34 $47.34

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.73 $0.73

$1 $1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$34.7K $34.7K

$24.8K $24.8K

$35.4K $35.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.9K $24.9K

$23.4K $23.4K

$27.3K $27.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$200 $200

$170 $170

$309 $309

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$56.1 $56.1

$35.23 $35.23

$101 $101

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$34.88 $34.88

$29.89 $29.89

$79.7 $79.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.05 $43.05

$17.52 $17.52

$50.1 $50.1

Cinema Ticket

$10.95 $10.95

$9.45 $9.45

$14.93 $14.93

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,287 $1,287

$1,286 $1,286

$1,292 $1,292

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$16.7K $16.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$55.3 $55.3

$25.15 $25.15

$70.4 $70.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$30.96 $30.96

$11.98 $11.98

$64.9 $64.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$80.7 $80.7

$45.37 $45.37

$252 $252

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 $110

$75.6 $75.6

$202 $202

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,611 $1,611

$1,207 $1,207

$1,867 $1,867

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,336 $1,336

$987 $987

$1,480 $1,480

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,654 $2,654

$2,019 $2,019

$3,028 $3,028

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,231 $2,231

$1,707 $1,707

$2,510 $2,510

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,520 $1,520

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,524 $1,524

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,699 $5,699

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.42

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Battle Creek, MI - Frequently Asked Questions

Battle Creek offers a practical balance of value and access, especially if you are prioritizing space, slower pace, and local conveniences. The Cost of Living in Battle Creek, MI, United States tends to sit lower than many larger metros, with affordable housing options and everyday expenses that support a flexible budget for remote work or downsizing. You will enjoy a compact city feel with reachable outdoor spaces, libraries, and cafes that welcome work sessions. Housing options range from older, well-kept rentals to newer apartments in other neighborhoods, often at lower rents than coastal hubs. Tip: test several neighborhoods on foot or bike to gauge vibe and access.

Daily life here centers on practicality and community. Start your housing search by checking well-maintained older complexes, family neighborhoods, and nearby towns for weekly groceries and farmers markets. Food options range from regional chains to family-owned diners; cooking at home with seasonal produce keeps costs reasonable. Transport is workable with a modest driving footprint, complemented by buses and bike routes in central areas; occasional car-sharing helps for weekend trips. For coworking, explore community spaces and university venues that welcome freelancers. Tip: plan a two-week scouting period to compare commute times, grocery aisles, and cafe Wi-Fi before committing to a neighborhood.

Quality of life in Battle Creek blends small-city charm with outdoor opportunity and approachable services. Build a budgeting framework around housing, utilities, groceries, and transport, using a simple monthly split to stay aligned with your income. Seasonality matters: winters demand heating and winter gear, while summers are comfortable for outdoor work and exploration; adjust your energy habits and vacation plans accordingly. Neighborhood fit matters too – downtown has walkable access and cafes, while lake and eastside pockets offer quieter, family-friendly vibes. Practical savings come from shopping local markets, cooking at home, and sharing workspace memberships. Battle Creek, MI, United States living cost comparisons show you can sustain a comfortable routine with deliberate planning. Tip: set aside a small buffer for repairs or gear upgrades to stay flexible.