17 Cheapest Places to Live in Michigan

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When you think of Michigan, a lot of things may come to mind, including Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Michigan is known for being surrounded by all five Great Lakes.

But, besides that, Michigan has a lot more to offer those who live and visit here.

There are plenty of lighthouses, breweries, and automobile industries in Michigan.

If you’re looking to move here, this guide will provide you with a list of the most affordable cities to help you with your search.

17 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Michigan

1. Jackson

Jackson, Michigan, is first on the list for being one of the cheapest cities to live in.

The median household income here is $35,464.

Jackson is known as being the most affordable in the entire state of Michigan.

It’s located just 40 miles from Ann Arbor and is known for being the only town in Jackson County.

Jackson also has a lot to offer residents living here, including various parks and even a museum known as the Michigan Military Heritage Museum.

Here, you can learn all about the state’s military history.

2. Mount Morris

Mount Morris, MI, is another one of the most affordable cities to live in.

Here, the median household income is $33,480.

It’s quite a small town, with only 3,000 residents living here.

But, despite its size, there’s plenty to offer locals.

You’ll be able to find plenty of parks, churches, restaurants, and grocery stores.

If you’re looking for more of an adventure, you can check out the city’s very own paintball center.

3. Battle Creek

Battle Creek, MI, is also on the list for being an affordable city to live in.

The median household income is $42,298.

Battle Creek is located in the southern part of Michigan and just along two rivers—the Kalamazoo River and the Battle Creek River.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you can take advantage of various riverside parks, nature preserves, and more.

Goguac Lake Willard Beach Pavilion is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

There are also museums, farmer’s markets, and art centers located in Battle Creek.

4. Burton

Burton has a median household income of $42,002, making it yet another one of the most affordable towns in Michigan.

Burton is a part of Genesee County.

To put it in better terms, it is located just east of Flint, MI.

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum are often visited by locals here.

It features various trails, acres of trees, and even a playhouse.

Residents can also partake in activities including skating and fishing.

5. Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is a well-known town in Michigan, but it’s also one of the cheapest to live in.

The median household income in Kalamazoo is $41,774.

More than 75,000 people are living here.

Kalamazoo has plenty to offer residents and tourists, from country clubs to theaters to shopping centers.

Downtown Kalamazoo is full of art centers, theaters, and museums.

The Kalamazoo River is also a popular destination where you can check out various golf courses and parks.

6. Saginaw

Saginaw, MI, comes in at number six for being one of the most affordable cities to live in.

The median household income here is $29,582, with nearly 50,000 residents living here.

The city sits along the Saginaw River, where you can find various parks.

If you’re looking for other entertainment options, you can check out the Saginaw Art Museum, the Saginaw Railway, and the Saginaw Children’s Museum.

7. Flint

Flint, MI, is located just 66 miles from Detroit and is known for offering affordable housing for residents living here.

$28,834 is the median household income in Flint.

It is a part of Genesee County and is located along the Flint River.

Downtown Flint has various attractions, including historical landmarks, art museums, and the University of Michigan-Flint.

There are several parks located throughout the city.

Many of these parks even have skate parks and golf courses.

8. Muskegon

Coming in at number eight for the most affordable cities in Michigan is Muskegon.

Muskegon is located right along the western part of Michigan.

Lake Michigan surrounds this beautiful city.

The median household income is $32,433.

The home cost-to-income ratio is 2.25.

If you love the water, you won’t have to go too far to enjoy fishing and boating.

Muskegon also has other means of entertainment, including the USS Silversides Submarine Museum and the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse.

Muskegon is also home to plenty of parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.

9. Bedford

Bedford is another cheap city to live in and is not too far from Battle Creek, MI.

The average household income here is $49,020.

There are many parks, golf courses, and lakes in Bedford.

Residents of Bedford feel comfortable knowing that the town offers the opportunity to live an easygoing lifestyle.

Bedford also offers plenty of attractions, including the North Branch Kalamazoo River, which makes it perfect for hiking and fishing.

10. Detroit

Detroit has a median household income of $30,894 and is known for being an affordable city.

Not only is Detroit affordable, but there are also plenty of things to do here.

For instance, the Detroit Institute of Art is ideal for checking out paintings, some of which are by Diego Rivera himself.

You can also check out Campus Martius Park to watch live concerts.

If you love the outdoors, biking is welcome at Dequindre Cut.

11. Taylor

Taylor, MI, is located just 18 miles from Detroit and is entirely affordable for those looking to rent or buy a home.

The average price paid for a one-bedroom apartment in Taylor is $775.

Nearly 64,000 people are living in Taylor.

The average cost of a home here is $170,000.

Overall, this amount is $120,000 less than the average cost of a home in the state of Michigan.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Taylor, including Heritage Park.

12. Westland

Westland, MI, is located just 30 miles from Detroit and is affordable for those looking to either rent or buy.

The average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $1,012.

About 85,400 people are living in Westland.

If you’re looking for an affordable place to live without having to worry about paying a high price for a home in a bigger city, Westland is the perfect option.

There is ample opportunity to enjoy nature in Westland, whether it’s by exploring Nankin Mills Recreation Area or Central City Park.

13. Pontiac

Pontiac, MI, made the list for having affordable housing.

The average rent for a one-bedroom in Pontiac is $775.

The median household income is $34,673.

Pontiac is located just 28 miles from Detroit.

The average cost of a home in Pontiac is nearly $88,000 less than the state’s average.

61,600 people call Pontiac home.

Not only is this town a great place to live, but there are many things to do.

Downtown Pontiac hosts various races at the M1 Concourse.

There are also various parks, including Hawthorne Park.

14. Warren

Warren, MI is located only 21 miles from Detroit.

The average household income here is $51,796.

Nearly 140,000 people live in Warren.

The average cost of a home in Warren is $211,000.

But besides the affordability, there are a lot of shopping centers, restaurants, and parks to enjoy if you decide to move here.

Warren is known for having one of the biggest manufacturing industries in the state, specifically the automotive industry.

15. Dearborn Heights

Also making the list for being one of the cheapest cities in Michigan is Dearborn Heights.

The average household income is $50,987, and the median home cost is $215,000.

It is located just 15 miles from Detroit.

Dearborn Heights has a population of 63,300.

It’s a perfect place to call home, as there are plenty of fun activities to do, and golfing is just one of them.

You can also enjoy some amazing food at various local restaurants.

16. Southfield

Southfield is located 15 miles from Detroit and is known for having affordable homes as well.

If you’re looking to rent, the average rent for a one-bedroom is $1,079.

The average household income is $58,076.

The population of Southfield is 76,600.

Do you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast?

If so, Southfield may be the perfect place to live, as there are various nature preserves and parks, including Bauervic Woods Park and Beech Woods Park.

17. St. Clair Shores

Finally, St. Clair Shores is last on the list for being one of the most affordable towns in Michigan.

The average household income is $62,935.

The city is located 18 miles from Detroit and is home to 58,900 residents.

St. Clair Shores provides locals with a city feel without too much traffic.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants located along the lakefront in St. Clair Shores.

If you enjoy history, you can check out the historic Ford House.

Michigan Safety Overview

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Safety Index:

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• OVERALL RISK: LOW
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