Cost of Living in Kalamazoo, MI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $959 (excluding rent), and $1,821 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,224 (excluding rent), and $3,976 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.66 $17.66

$8.07 $8.07

$50.5 $50.5

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.7 $50.7

$40.59 $40.59

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.72 $9.72

$8.19 $8.19

$13.31 $13.31

Cappuccino

$4.89 $4.89

$3.01 $3.01

$7.03 $7.03

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

$2.48 $2.48

$2.02 $2.02

$3.03 $3.03

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.82 $1.82

$0.99 $0.99

$2.66 $2.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.42 $3.42

$7.82 $7.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.84 $5.84

$4.86 $4.86

$9.73 $9.73

Milk (1 liter)

$0.73 $0.73

$0.65 $0.65

$1.3 $1.3

White Bread (500g)

$3.07 $3.07

$1.97 $1.97

$5.62 $5.62

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.97 $4.97

$1.9 $1.9

$10.71 $10.71

Eggs

$2.54 $2.54

$1.46 $1.46

$3.89 $3.89

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.27 $9.27

$6.6 $6.6

$44.01 $44.01

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.24 $11.24

$3.97 $3.97

$17.72 $17.72

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.05 $11.05

$6.63 $6.63

$33.19 $33.19

Apples (1kg)

$4.62 $4.62

$2.33 $2.33

$8.9 $8.9

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 $1.17

$0.95 $0.95

$1.72 $1.72

Oranges (1kg)

$5.69 $5.69

$1.72 $1.72

$17.17 $17.17

Tomato (1kg)

$6.09 $6.09

$2.18 $2.18

$8.72 $8.72

Potato (1kg)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.08 $1.08

$4.33 $4.33

Onion (1kg)

$2.44 $2.44

$0.84 $0.84

$4.33 $4.33

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.27 $1.27

$8.14 $8.14

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.85 $1.85

$0.8 $0.8

$3.04 $3.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.9 $6.9

$6.83 $6.83

$10.96 $10.96

Wine (Bottle)

$15.25 $15.25

$7.12 $7.12

$15.26 $15.26

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2 $2

$1.44 $1.44

$4.29 $4.29

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46 $2.46

$1.46 $1.46

$3.9 $3.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.49 $1.49

$2.49 $2.49

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$59.1 $59.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.55 $2.55

$3.06 $3.06

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.39 $1.39

$3.08 $3.08

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$48.49 $48.49

$20.2 $20.2

$48.49 $48.49

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.74 $0.74

$1.01 $1.01

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

$34.4K $34.4K

$22.8K $22.8K

$35.1K $35.1K

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)

$120 $120

$93.7 $93.7

$247 $247

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

$53.1 $53.1

$19.85 $19.85

$99.2 $99.2

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54 $54

$30.48 $30.48

$122 $122

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$41.33 $41.33

$32.26 $32.26

$50.4 $50.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$16.15 $16.15

Cinema Ticket

$9.59 $9.59

$7.06 $7.06

$12.11 $12.11

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

$660 $660

$420 $420

$1,299 $1,299

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11K $11K

$16.5K $16.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$55 $55

$15.03 $15.03

$72.2 $72.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$21.52 $21.52

$12.01 $12.01

$65.1 $65.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.6 $95.6

$44.36 $44.36

$246 $246

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$107 $107

$73.6 $73.6

$177 $177

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,223 $1,223

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$710 $710

$641 $641

$788 $788

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,532 $2,532

$2,025 $2,025

$3,038 $3,038

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,556 $1,556

$1,496 $1,496

$2,095 $2,095

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,110 $2,110

$1,716 $1,716

$3,217 $3,217

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,991 $1,991

$1,729 $1,729

$2,701 $2,701

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,540 $3,540

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.42

6.94

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

Last update: November 23, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Kalamazoo, MI - Frequently Asked Questions

The Cost of Living in Kalamazoo, MI, United States tends to be more moderate than in many peers, making it attractive for first-time movers and digital nomads. You'll find housing options near downtown, campus corridors, and quiet residential pockets without the premium charges of larger cities. Utilities and groceries sit in a comfortable middle range, and local eateries deliver good value without sacrificing quality. Transit supports car use but is still workable by bike and bus, with a walkable downtown that keeps errands efficient. Food options run from casual eateries to farmers markets that highlight Michigan produce. Tip: map a one-week visit to sample neighborhoods before choosing a base, and note morning transit timing.

To settle in, start with targeted housing searches near downtown, the WMU corridor, or quiet East Kalamazoo, then compare commute times and noise levels. Considering Kalamazoo, MI, United States living cost can help you choose neighborhoods that fit your budget. Food options range from grocery chains to farmers markets and family-owned cafes, with plenty of affordable lunch spots for weekdays. For transport, a practical bus system blends with bike-friendly streets, while coworking spaces and cafés offer reliable wifi and social hubs. Errands are usually convenient within short distances, and weekend markets add fresh produce and local crafts. Tip: schedule several short viewing days to test light, sound, and convenience throughout the day.

Adopt a practical budgeting framework that fits your lifestyle – prioritize housing first, then groceries, transit, and leisure, adjusting as you refine actual costs. In winter, heating and utilities rise, while summer emphasizes cooling and outdoor activities. Neighborhood fit matters: downtown and near-campus areas buzz with activity, whereas leafy suburbs offer more space and quiet streets. Try a seasonal plan: test areas across a few weeks to gauge noise, proximity to amenities, and community vibe. Use free events, farmers markets, and shared workspace options to stretch value. Tip: build a simple weekly checklist to track what you actually spend and what you value most.