This Michigan City Ranks Among the Most Expensive to Heat a Home

Michiganders already know winter can be brutal, especially this year as we've endured some unforgiving arctic blasts, heavy snowfall, and bone-chilling temperatures. You have to admit, this year has been a real wake-up call compared to the last few mild winters we've had.

It's been a real wake-up call in regards to just how expensive staying warm can be. I nearly fell over the other day when I received my Consumers Energy bill. It was significantly higher than normal. In fact, it's the most I've ever paid since moving into my house more than 12 years ago. I know I'm not the only one in Genesee County feeling the sting of these skyrocketing heating costs.

Home Gnome just ranked the most expensive cities to heat a home in winter for 2025.

They compared nearly 500 of the biggest cities in the U.S. looking at things like average electricity and gas bills (adjusted to monthly income), home sizes, and weather conditions plus a total of 11 other factors.

Cities in the Midwest like Ohio, Missouri, and Michigan landed in the more expensive half of the ranking, thanks to high gas and electricity bills and a lot of older homes that are harder to make energy-efficient.

On the list of 500 cities, one Michigan city landed at number five—and that was none other than Flint.

Cities with the Highest Winter Heating Costs

1. Cleveland, OH
2. Dayton, OH
3. Independence, MO
4. St. Joseph, MO
5. Flint, MI

You can check out the full breakdown of this study and see where all 500 cities ranked on the Home Gnome website.

With the temps we've been dealing with this week, don't be surprised if you see another hefty energy bill heading your way...especially if you live in Flint.