
Privacy is the most significant factor attracting purchasers to Lake Angelus. Centered around the private waters of Lake Angelus itself, this small Oakland County city features large estates, wooded lots, and limited residential development. Here, residents can engage in boating, kayaking, and other leisure activities associated with lake living. Residents enjoy quick access to nearby business centers while maintaining a secluded atmosphere. The exclusivity of waterfront properties has surely made Lake Angelus one of the most expensive cities in Michigan.
Privacy is the most significant factor attracting purchasers to Lake Angelus. Centered around the private waters of Lake Angelus itself, this small Oakland County city features large estates, wooded lots, and limited residential d...
Personal Safety : N/A
Property Safety : N/A
Community Safety : N/A
$2,800,000
Median Home Rent
$1,690

With some of the most elite residences in the Detroit metro area, Bloomfield Hills has been recognized for its opulent residences and beautiful landscapes. The city is also home to the renowned Cranbrook Educational Community, a National Historic Landmark that adds to its reputation. Private social clubs, lush golf courses, and expansive homes create an atmosphere of elegance and luxury in the city. Many executives and professionals choose Bloomfield Hills for its privacy and convenient location. These qualities have made it one of the wealthiest cities in Michigan.
With some of the most elite residences in the Detroit metro area, Bloomfield Hills has been recognized for its opulent residences and beautiful landscapes. The city is also home to the renowned Cranbrook Educational Community, a N...
Personal Safety : 99
Property Safety : 83
Community Safety : 84
$2,725,000
Median Home Rent
$3,455

Amazing walkable areas and luxury come together in Birmingham and make it one of the most sought-after cities in Metro Detroit. The city's focal point is Old Woodward Avenue, which is filled with small boutiques, luxurious eateries, and businesses. Residents enjoy an active downtown lifestyle that is rare among affluent suburbs. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and newer luxury developments attract buyers seeking both convenience and prestige. The popularity of houses located near downtown Birmingham makes it one of the costliest cities to live in Michigan.
Amazing walkable areas and luxury come together in Birmingham and make it one of the most sought-after cities in Metro Detroit. The city's focal point is Old Woodward Avenue, which is filled with small boutiques, luxurious eaterie...
Personal Safety : 94
Property Safety : 76
Community Safety : 89
$1,140,000
Median Home Rent
$3,000

Perched along the shores of Lake Michigan, Leland blends coastal charm with quaint small-town charm. The historical Fishtown area, with its old fishing shanties and docks, is still regarded as one of the most iconic sites in Northern Michigan. Several homes provide beautiful views of Lake Michigan or Lake Leelanau, thus making waterfront homes very attractive. Boating facilities, seasonal tourist trade, and proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area make Leland a more desirable location. Limited housing availability has helped Leland become one of the richest places in Michigan's vacation-home market.
Perched along the shores of Lake Michigan, Leland blends coastal charm with quaint small-town charm. The historical Fishtown area, with its old fishing shanties and docks, is still regarded as one of the most iconic sites in North...
Personal Safety : 95
Property Safety : 90
Community Safety : 86
$765,000
Median Home Rent
$2,855

Lake Leelanau is one of Michigan's most quietly expensive places to own a home. The area sits at the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and water on nearly every side. Waterfront homes here offer private docks, sunset views over North or South, and easy access to charming towns. Weekends revolve around boating to winery docks, tasting rooms at Blustone Vineyards, and farm-to-table meals with views that feel almost unfair. Waterfront estates regularly exceed $2.5 million. This unique setting has made Lake Leelanau one of the richest areas in Michigan.
Lake Leelanau is one of Michigan's most quietly expensive places to own a home. The area sits at the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and water on nearly every side. Waterfront homes here offer p...
Personal Safety : 95
Property Safety : 90
Community Safety : 86
$1,180,000
Median Home Rent
$1,770

Luxury lakefront living defines Orchard Lake Village. Built around the shores of Orchard Lake, this Oakland County community is known for its custom homes, private docks, and scenic waterfront views. Residents enjoy access to boating, sailing, and fishing while remaining close to major business districts throughout Metro Detroit. In addition to all of these features, there is also the famous Orchard Lake St. Mary's Preparatory School, an important landmark in Michigan. Limited shoreline availability helps keep Orchard Lake Village among the wealthy cities in Michigan.
Luxury lakefront living defines Orchard Lake Village. Built around the shores of Orchard Lake, this Oakland County community is known for its custom homes, private docks, and scenic waterfront views. Residents enjoy access to boat...
Personal Safety : 100
Property Safety : 91
Community Safety : 89
$985,000
Median Home Rent
$2,300

Franklin offers a blend of historic charm and exclusivity that is difficult to find elsewhere in Southeast Michigan. The preserved downtown area of the village has local shops and restaurants that create a small-town atmosphere. Much of the housing consists of large custom homes situated on wooded lots that provide privacy and space. Residents appreciate being close to Birmingham and Southfield while enjoying a quieter setting. Historic character, spacious homes, and enduring appeal keep Franklin among the affluent cities in Michigan.
Franklin offers a blend of historic charm and exclusivity that is difficult to find elsewhere in Southeast Michigan. The preserved downtown area of the village has local shops and restaurants that create a small-town atmosphere. M...
Personal Safety : 94
Property Safety : 73
Community Safety : 89
$1,038,250
Median Home Rent
$4,800

Rate Ann Arbor
5.0/5
1 Review
Job Market
100%
Commute
100%
Good Schools
100%
Affordability
100%
Public Transit
100%
Future Growth
100%
Ann Arbor is known for its academic excellence and highly performing housing market. Home to the University of Michigan, the city attracts professionals, researchers, healthcare workers, and technology entrepreneurs from across the country. Downtown Ann Arbor features popular destinations along Main Street and State Street. The iconic Michigan Stadium, located at 1201 S Main St, remains a centerpiece of community life. The median home price close to $500k makes Ann Arbor one of the priciest places in Michigan.
Ann Arbor is known for its academic excellence and highly performing housing market. Home to the University of Michigan, the city attracts professionals, researchers, healthcare workers, and technology entrepreneurs from across th...
Personal Safety : 68
Property Safety : 45
Community Safety : 71
$465,000
Median Home Rent
$2,144

With its proximity to Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids is considered to be one of the most popular areas to live in West Michigan. The presence of lakeside homes and an active business district is part of what makes this community popular. Residents gather around Gaslight Village, where boutique shopping, cafés, and restaurants create an active atmosphere. The city's strong schools and well-maintained parks continue attracting long-term buyers. The demand for homes remains very high despite the median price touching $800k in this richest part of Michigan.
With its proximity to Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids is considered to be one of the most popular areas to live in West Michigan. The presence of lakeside homes and an active business district is part of what makes this community po...
Personal Safety : 92
Property Safety : 77
Community Safety : 85
$820,000
Median Home Rent
$1,800

Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan by the Indiana state line, New Buffalo is one of the finest cities to buy a vacation home in the state. The city's marina, beaches, and resort atmosphere attract buyers seeking weekend retreats. Visitors and residents alike spend time at New Buffalo Beach, located at 800 Marquette Dr. It is one of the area's most recognizable attractions. Many homes here command premium prices due to their proximity to the shoreline, and this keeps New Buffalo among the 10 most expensive cities in Michigan to buy a home.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan by the Indiana state line, New Buffalo is one of the finest cities to buy a vacation home in the state. The city's marina, beaches, and resort atmosphere attract buyers seeking weekend retrea...
Personal Safety : 80
Property Safety : 93
Community Safety : 60
$670,000
Median Home Rent
$5,500
Transparent & data-driven
Each city is scored across five weighted categories using daily MLS data and verified government stats. Every metric is benchmarked against both its state average and the national average — dual benchmarking — so a market isn’t judged expensive just for sitting in a high-cost state.
Sale price, price per sq ft & high-value concentration vs. state and national benchmarks.
Median rent, rent-to-income ratio & rental demand vs. state and national medians.
The gap between median household income and the cost of living for the area.
Turnover, scarcity, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.
Utilities, transportation & everyday goods vs. state and national averages — the tiebreaker.
MLS metrics update daily; government data is added on each agency’s release schedule.
High home prices are only part of the equation in Michigan's priciest markets. Groceries, utilities, and insurance all run above the national average. Coastal homeowner's insurance alone can add thousands to your annual budget. Here is what to expect across five of Michigan's most expensive cities.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Angelus | $2,800,000 | $1,690 | 1/10 | |
| Bloomfield Hills | $2,725,000 | $3,455 | 2/10 | |
| Lake Leelanau | $1,180,000 | $1,770 | 3/10 | |
| Birmingham | $1,140,000 | $3,000 | 4/10 | |
| Franklin | $1,038,250 | $4,800 | 5/10 |
For many homebuyers, safety is just as important as affordability and quality of life. Michigan is home to several communities that consistently report lower crime rates and maintain strong, family-friendly neighborhoods. Some cities offer residents a sense of security while still providing access to everyday conveniences and amenities. Explore our safest places to live in Michigan rankings to find out which communities stand out the most.
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