A low cost micro-electronic package for MEMS applications includes a package substrate, a MEMS device and a buffer insert which is placed between the MEMS device and the package substrate. The buffer insert has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) which is compatible with the material of the MEMS device and is sufficiently rigid to isolate the MEMS device from thermal, mechanical and other physical stresses applied to the package substrate. In an embodiment, the package is formed as an integrated device which includes both the MEMS device and a signal conditioning integrated circuit, potentially found in the same die. The substrate insert may be made of a material having a CTE value compatible with silicon (Si), such as Kovar, Invar, or an appropriate ceramic material or the like.