Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes area of upper Midwestern America.
It is bordering with Canada, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
Here are several interesting facts about Michigan that you may not know.
This state is famous for its Great Lakes, industrial production, ginger ale, and tunnels.
As a state rich in history, Michigan has more miles of freshwater shoreline than any other state in the nation.
Furthermore, this state is home to many certified International Dark Sky Parks worldwide.
The Great Lake State (as someones say this state) has a ten million people population.
Hence those interesting facts about Michigan, you are surely wondering about the cost of living in this state.
In the text below, you can find out all you need to know about the cost of living in this very Watery state and, moreover, which cities are the most expensive for living here.
Contents
Cost of Living in This State
Compared with all other states, Michigan has the 21st lowest overall cost of living.
In general, residents here can expect to pay more for utilities, as gas and electricity are slightly more expensive in Michigan.
Accordingly, the average monthly energy bill in Michigan is $100.
So, many people try to lower the energy bill by reducing usage or sharing a home with a roommate and splitting the cost of the utilities.
On the other hand, goods and services in this state cost 5.5% less than they do on average nationwide.
Housing Costs
The cost of living in this Midwestern state is slightly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
The typical home is worth $150.200, or around $55.000 less than the national average home value.
As for renting prices, you can find a studio apartment for only $600 per month, while a one-bedroom costs an average of $750.
If you need more space, a two-bedroom apartment might cost you around $950 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment jumps up to nearly $1.300 on monthly basics.
Food Costs
We have to notice that Michigan seems to be a modern state with many vegan and healthy restaurants.
Waitresses are so friendly and want to serve you in the best possible way.
For instance, а regular lunch menu (including a drink) for one person costs only $10.
If you are a fast-food lover, a combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) will cost you not above $6.
These prices are very fair, compared to prices in other states in the U.S.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
The cost of living could increase or decrease in each section depending on the city.
Certain cities are more expensive than others within the state of Michigan.
So, let’s have a closer look at the top five most expensive cities in this State – Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights.
Detroit
The biggest city in Michigan is definitely Detroit.
This city has the nickname Motor City, due to so many cars made there.
As the biggest city in Michigan, Detroit is the most expensive one also.
For example, a utility bill per month for basics such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water for an 85m2 apartment is nearly $220.
Dining out in a mid-range restaurant for two people can cost you a fascinating $60.
That is an evident high price compared to the prices in other cities in Michigan.
The food prices in supermarkets are also unreasonable.
One-liter milk is $2.90, a loaf of fresh white bread(500g) is nearly $2.70, and eggs(regular 12) are more than $2.50.
Lansing
Lansing is one of the most expensive cities in the state, with the average monthly rent at around $1.300 per month.
The higher cost of housing in this city isn’t too surprising, as it’s the capital city of this state.
Other costs, like utility and food prices in supermarkets, are almost identical with Detroit.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is in Kent County, east of Lake Michigan.
It is one of the most suitable places to live in Michigan.
Living in Grand Rapids offers residents a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes.
But citizens here pay for rent an average of $1.100 per month.
The transportation costs in this city are the most expensive ones.
For one ticket for the local bus, you could pay from $2.90 to enormously $3.90, while a monthly pass is $67.
Not to mention the healthcare services.
In detail, for one doctor’s appointment, you could pay around $123, and for a dentist’s visit – more than $95.
Warren
Warren is a city in Macomb County, and it is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan.
This city has a population of 139,387, making Warren the largest city in Macomb County.
Warren has six different school districts and taxes lower than any comparable city, and city services are exceptionally vast and professional.
But have you wondered about the cost of living in this city?
It seems to be the most expensive city in Michigan.
The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1.350, while you can find much less price outside of the center – $1.100.
However, these prices are fancy compared to other cities in Michigan.
Sterling Heights
The last city on our list is Sterling Heights.
Sterling Heights is additionally a much expensive city.
In fact, let’s have a look at why this city is the most expensive one in Michigan.
The average rent per month is nearly $1.400.
Utility bill per month for basics such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water for an 85m2 apartment is around $280 to enormously $350.
On the other side, restaurant prices are also so unreasonable.
Dining out in a mid-range restaurant for two people can cost you more than $60.
Are you now convinced of the cost in this city, or should we proceed to list the high prices in Sterling Heights?
I honestly think there is no need.
Of course, it remains to visit all these beautiful cities and examine the cost of living.
Michigan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Michigan Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in California Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Wisconsin Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in New Hampshire Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Kansas Cities: These Are the Top 5
I believe that Michigan is an affordable state overall, but certain cities like Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights can be expensive to live in due to higher housing, utility, and food costs.
It seems that Michigan has a relatively low cost of living compared to other states, but certain cities like Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights can be quite expensive in terms of housing, utilities, and dining out.