Cost of Living In Northville Michigan - So you’re thinking about making the move to Northville, Michigan? With that being said, it begs the question, how affordable is it? How much house can I get with my budget? What is the city like? All your questions answered, right now.

Overview of Northville, Michigan

Northville offers a dense suburban feel where most residents own their homes. Despite steady population growth, the city has preserved a strong small-town atmosphere, especially within its historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

One of Northville’s defining features is its historic housing stock. The city is known for exceptionally well-maintained Victorian and early 20th-century homes, many built before the 1930s and preserved to a level that’s genuinely rare in Southeast Michigan.

Add in a walkable downtown, a strong local business community, community amenities, and highly regarded public schools, and Northville delivers a combination that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Cost of Living in Northville, Michigan

According to BestPlaces.net, cost-of-living indexes use a baseline score of 100 as the national average.

Northville’s overall cost of living index comes in well above the national average, with housing and transportation being the primary drivers. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare tend to track closer to regional norms, but housing costs significantly elevate the overall figure.

Housing Costs & Home Values

Housing is the single largest contributor to Northville’s higher cost of living.

Because Northville spans both Oakland County and Wayne County, prices can vary depending on location, tax structure, and proximity to downtown.

Based on Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data (based on the date of the video recorded above):

• Northville (Oakland County portion) shows average sale prices in the upper-$400,000 range
• Northville (Wayne County portion) trends higher, with average sale prices exceeding $500,000
• Northville Township offers a broader range of housing types and lot sizes, with pricing that reflects its larger footprint

Northville itself covers just over two square miles, meaning nearly every home is relatively close to downtown — a factor that strongly influences pricing.

What Different Budgets Look Like in Northville

Northville offers a wide spectrum of housing options despite its reputation.

On the more accessible end:

• Condominiums and townhomes near downtown can offer smaller footprints with proximity benefits

Mid-range options:

• Established subdivisions like Abbey Knoll Estates provide larger homes, quiet streets, and short commutes to downtown amenities

Upper-end properties:

• Luxury estates near the historic district and surrounding areas offer custom architecture, privacy, and premium finishes

This range allows buyers with very different needs and budgets to find a fit, though competition remains strong due to limited inventory.

Housing Inventory & Market Activity

Like much of Southeast Michigan, Northville experiences limited housing inventory.

Closed sales data shows fewer transactions compared to demand, which helps explain:

• Sustained price strength
• Faster-than-average sales cycles
• Strong long-term appreciation

Northville’s desirability, combined with its small geographic footprint, naturally restricts new inventory from entering the market.

Transportation Costs

Transportation also plays a role in Northville’s cost of living.

This category includes:

• Fuel
• Auto insurance
• Vehicle maintenance
• Registration and licensing

Michigan’s auto insurance structure can impact monthly expenses more than in many other states. For a deeper breakdown, I’ve covered this topic extensively in my broader Cost of Living in Michigan guide.

Northville’s central location and access to nearby expressways help offset commute times, which many residents factor into overall transportation costs.

Income & Employment Snapshot

According to Niche.com:

• Northville’s median household income is significantly higher than the national average
• Per capita income also exceeds state and national benchmarks
• The city earns strong ratings for employment stability and business growth

Employment sectors represented in Northville include:

• Manufacturing
• Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Healthcare
• Education
• Food services
• Finance and insurance

Many residents work both within and outside the immediate area, which is common across Metro Detroit.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living in Northville, Michigan

Is Northville expensive compared to other Michigan cities?
Yes. Housing costs are notably higher than state averages, while other expenses are closer to regional norms.

Why are home prices higher in Northville?
Limited land, a walkable historic downtown, preserved housing stock, and strong demand all contribute.

Does Northville Township cost less than the city?
In some cases, yes. Township areas may offer larger lots and different tax structures.

Is Northville walkable?
Downtown Northville is highly walkable, while surrounding neighborhoods are more car-dependent.

Do transportation costs affect overall affordability?
Yes. Auto-related expenses play a meaningful role in the total cost of living.

Conclusion

Northville’s cost of living reflects what the city offers: historic charm, walkability, strong amenities, and long-term desirability. While housing costs are higher than average, many people find the lifestyle, location, and community atmosphere well worth the trade-off.

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.