Cost of Living in Saint Joseph, MI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $969 (excluding rent), and $1,922 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,509 (excluding rent), and $4,224 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.27 $16.27

$12.2 $12.2

$30.51 $30.51

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$58.8 $58.8

$44.11 $44.11

$88.2 $88.2

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.19 $9.19

$8.68 $8.68

$12.25 $12.25

Cappuccino

$4.27 $4.27

$3.07 $3.07

$6.14 $6.14

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

$2.22 $2.22

$1.46 $1.46

$2.91 $2.91

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.31 $1.31

$3.05 $3.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.91 $3.91

$2.93 $2.93

$4.89 $4.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.34 $5.34

$4.37 $4.37

$6.31 $6.31

Milk (1 liter)

$0.77 $0.77

$0.66 $0.66

$1.53 $1.53

White Bread (500g)

$3.06 $3.06

$2.26 $2.26

$4.08 $4.08

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.96 $4.96

$2.06 $2.06

$8.94 $8.94

Eggs

$4.05 $4.05

$1.8 $1.8

$8.3 $8.3

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.06 $11.06

$8.14 $8.14

$19.89 $19.89

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.82 $10.82

$6.02 $6.02

$15.61 $15.61

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.33 $8.33

$5.87 $5.87

$21.58 $21.58

Apples (1kg)

$5.39 $5.39

$3.25 $3.25

$8.65 $8.65

Banana (1kg)

$1.21 $1.21

$1.07 $1.07

$1.28 $1.28

Oranges (1kg)

$5.4 $5.4

$4.32 $4.32

$6.48 $6.48

Tomato (1kg)

$5.46 $5.46

$4.35 $4.35

$6.56 $6.56

Potato (1kg)

$3.73 $3.73

$2.22 $2.22

$6.74 $6.74

Onion (1kg)

$4.46 $4.46

$2.21 $2.21

$6.7 $6.7

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.95 $1.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.51 $1.51

$1 $1

$2.52 $2.52

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.06 $8.06

$7.81 $7.81

$8.74 $8.74

Wine (Bottle)

$6.65 $6.65

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$4.37 $4.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.68 $3.68

$1.96 $1.96

$4.9 $4.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.13 $5.13

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.59 $1.59

$2.78 $2.78

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$50.1 $50.1

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.73 $0.73

$1.02 $1.02

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

$23.2K $23.2K

$36K $36K

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

$31K $31K

$25.6K $25.6K

$31K $31K

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

$188 $188

$176 $176

$401 $401

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

$56.3 $56.3

$24.74 $24.74

$99 $99

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69.8 $69.8

$59 $59

$147 $147

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.44 $40.44

$17.69 $17.69

$50.5 $50.5

Cinema Ticket

$10.64 $10.64

$6.08 $6.08

$15.2 $15.2

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

$955 $955

$419 $419

$1,257 $1,257

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.4K $23.4K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.2K $27.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.78 $39.78

$17.9 $17.9

$59.7 $59.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.67 $47.67

$35.12 $35.12

$60.2 $60.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$73.9 $73.9

$64 $64

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$74.8 $74.8

$130 $130

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,051 $1,051

$789 $789

$1,183 $1,183

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$849 $849

$815 $815

$917 $917

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,866 $1,866

$1,768 $1,768

$1,964 $1,964

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,797 $1,797

$1,198 $1,198

$2,395 $2,395

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,533 $2,533

$1,857 $1,857

$2,533 $2,533

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,596 $2,596

$2,121 $2,121

$2,596 $2,596

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,854 $4,854

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.9

5.3

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 Saint Joseph, MI - Frequently Asked Questions

Saint Joseph offers a folksy Midwest mix of affordability and quality that appeals to many who prefer stability over flashy urban perks. You will notice that housing and daily essentials generally feel accessible compared with big coastal cities, especially if you choose a walkable neighborhood or a short commute. Cultural and outdoor options cluster around the lake, keeping entertainment affordable through parks, markets, and community events. Employment and income levels influence value, but the overall vibe makes it suitable for longer-term stays without extreme budgeting gymnastics. Cost of Living in Saint Joseph, MI keeps the contrast with larger metros noticeable but manageable. Tip: consider a multi-month stay to really feel the rhythm of the town.

Expect a straightforward housing search in Saint Joseph: look for older brick or clapboard homes and small apartment buildings within a quick walk to the lake or downtown. Rents and fees tend to be friendlier than bigger cities, though truly bargain options may require flexibility on size or neighborhood. Groceries and dining offer reliable choices: farmers markets, casual cafes, and family-owned eateries can help you maintain a practical budget. For transport, you will rely on a car or bike; summer traffic is light, winters can complicate commutes. Co-working spaces exist but focus on local cafes with reliable wifi. Saint Joseph, MI living cost remains approachable for steady routines. Tip: map out a weekly route to minimize backtracking.

Quality of life here centers on balance: you get walkable neighborhoods, lakefront recreation, and a tight-knit feel that helps you save on transport and dining if you favor daytime outings. Build a budgeting framework around essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) and flexible leisure. In summer, you will find outdoor markets and festivals that are inexpensive or free, while winter can shift spending toward indoor activities. Neighborhood fit matters: prefer the lakeside core for easy strolls, or pick a quieter residential pocket for longer stays. Plan ahead for seasonal crowds if you are visiting during peak months. Tip: keep a simple monthly tracker to spot changing costs.