Moving to Michigan? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Michigan is a state located in the midwestern ‘Great Lakes’ region of the United States. It is the tenth most populous state in the country and is most known for its automotive industry, natural beauty and diverse culture.

If you are considering moving to Michigan, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Michigan Facts:

Population: 10.05 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $56,780 (2021)
Random Fact: Michigan is known as the “Great Lakes State” as it is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Michigan

From State	Approx. Moving Cost
California	$2500
Florida	$2100
New York	$1900
Texas	$2300
Illinois	$1800
Ohio	$1600
Georgia	$1700
North Carolina	$1800
Pennsylvania	$1700
New Jersey	$2000

This table lists the state of origin along with the estimated moving cost in US dollars to Michigan. These costs are approximate and can vary based on several factors, including the specific locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.

Also see the Best International Moving Companies in Michigan here.

2. Michigan Housing Costs

The rental and house purchase prices in Michigan vary depending on the location, with urban areas generally being more expensive than rural areas. For example, in downtown Detroit, the average home value is around $43,000, while in the upscale suburb of Bloomfield Hills, the average home value is around $639,000.

Monthly Rental Prices in Michigan:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,100+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $830.00+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,200+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,500+

Michigan Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Michigan compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 54.6% more expensive
New York is 68.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 55.7% more expensive
Toronto is 36.1% more expensive
Sydney is 46.7% more expensive
Paris is 23.6% more expensive
Dubai is 36.7% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom, iRoommates.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Michigan has a varied range of rental and house purchase prices, with the cost generally being influenced by the location. Urban areas in Michigan, such as Detroit and Ann Arbor, tend to have higher rental and home prices compared to rural areas.

3. Michigan Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Michigan’s food and drink scene is diverse and influenced by its location in the Great Lakes region, with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. Some famous Michigan foods include Detroit-style pizza, Coney dogs, and pasties, which are savoury hand pies filled with meat, vegetables, and gravy. Additionally, Michigan is home to many craft breweries and wineries, making it a popular destination for beer and wine enthusiasts.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $12.50
Takeout Coffee: $5.20
Bottle of Coke: $2.00
1L of Milk: $0.70
Loaf of Bread: $3.50
12 Eggs: $6.00
1kg Chicken: $8.80
1kg Beef: $13.20
1kg Apples: $6.30
1kg White Rice: $3.50

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 36.7% more expensive and groceries are 25.4% cheaper than Michigan.
New York restaurants are 39.2% more expensive and groceries are 25.2% more expensive than Michigan.
Los Angeles restaurants are 36.4% more expensive and groceries are 6.6% more expensive than Michigan.
Toronto restaurants are 18.2% more expensive and groceries are 8.6% cheaper than Michigan.
Sydney restaurants are 22% more expensive and groceries are 4.3% more expensive than Michigan.
Paris restaurants are 14.5% more expensive and groceries are 1.7% more expensive than Michigan.
Dubai restaurants are 13% more expensive and groceries are 51.5% cheaper than Michigan.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Michigan has a strong agricultural industry, and as a result, there are many farmers’ markets throughout the state where residents can buy fresh produce, meats, and other locally made goods. In terms of supermarkets, there is a wide range of options from inexpensive chain stores like Meijer and Walmart to upscale markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
Find Cheap Eats: Michigan has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Michigan Alcohol Costs

Michigan, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $3.30
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $5.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $14.00

How To Drink For Less in Michigan:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at MyBartender and Eater.

5. Michigan Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Michigan varies depending on the location, with urban areas having more extensive transit systems than rural areas. Major cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids have bus and light rail systems, while smaller cities and towns may only have limited bus service. There are also intercity bus services and Amtrak train services connecting various parts of the state.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.25
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $30.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Michigan

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Michigan is around 7-11 degrees Celsius, with variations depending on the location. January is usually the coldest month with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -2°C, while July is typically the hottest month with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C. The wettest month varies by location, but on average, the wettest months are April, May, and June.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $70.00
Summer Dress: $47.50
Running Shoes (Trainers): $75.00
Business Shoes: $87.50
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $34.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $8.75

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Michigan

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Michigan. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Michigan from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Michigan:

Volkswagen Golf: $30,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.98

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Michigan:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try TheRide.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Michigan

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax rate in Michigan is 6%, which is applied to most goods and services. However, some items like groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical supplies are exempt from sales tax. Local governments in Michigan can also levy additional sales taxes, so the total sales tax rate may be higher in some areas.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Michigan at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Michigan you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Michigan

If you do make the move to Michigan, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $550
New York: $50
Los Angeles: $120
Toronto: $160
Vancouver: $130
Dubai: $360
Sydney: $895
Melbourne: $860
Cape Town: $750
Hong Kong: $1,100

Other Tips on Moving to Michigan:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Michigan but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Michigan Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Michigan.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Michigan always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite.

12. Moving to Michigan with a Family

Michigan has many family-friendly locations with a variety of attractions, parks, and activities for all ages. There are many excellent school districts throughout the state, making it a good place to raise a family. However, like many states, Michigan does have areas with higher crime rates, particularly in urban areas like Detroit and Flint. Overall, the crime rate in Michigan is slightly higher than the national average.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Michigan Medicine.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Michigan has many family-friendly areas, so it ultimately depends on what a family is looking for. Some popular family-friendly areas include Ann Arbor, East Grand Rapids, and Troy, which offer excellent schools, family-friendly activities, and safe neighbourhoods. Grand Rapids and Traverse City are also popular choices, as they offer a mix of urban and outdoor activities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Michigan. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – My Michigan Beach, LittleGuide.

13. Moving to Michigan for Work

While it is possible to move to Michigan without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Michigan’s economy is diverse, with the automotive industry being a major driver along with healthcare, information technology, and aerospace. As of April 2023, the unemployment rate in Michigan was 4.0%, which is lower than the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Michigan, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Michigan from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Michigan, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The state of Victoria in Australia has an area of approximately 227,416 square kilometres, which is somewhat close in size to Michigan
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Michigan that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Michigan from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Michigan. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Alberta has a land area of about 240,000 square kilometres, which is similar to that of Michigan
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Michigan from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Michigan. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: The state of Michigan is as large as the entire United Kingdom
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Michigan, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Michigan you can start by comparing moving quotes here.