Planning your move to the Wolverine State? You’re not alone! More than 157,955 people are moving to Michigan annually, which is why its population has reached 10.04 million in 2024.
Michigan is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies like Ford Motor and Whirlpool and has a thriving job market. The Wolverine State also has a low cost of living of $2,933. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Michigan
Michigan is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to MI:
| # | Reasons to Move to MI | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Michigan is 8.5% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Wolverine State aims to add 25,030 jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Michigan serves over 1.3 million students across 539 school districts. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Michigan is 8.5% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of costs you will incur monthly in top metros of Michigan:
| Cities | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Detroit | $92,000 | $1,256 | $109 | $251.12 | $595 |
| Grand Rapids | $280,000 | $1,506 | $66.9 | $117.65 | $596 |
| Warren | $208,000 | $1,058 | $53 | $400.0 | $475 |
| Ann Arbor | $425,000 | $2,043 | $46.8 | $155.56 | $616 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Michigan
Michigan’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Wolverine State aims to add 25,030 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Manufacturing: The sector will employ 585,180 people by 2032. Leading employers include General Motors, Ford, and Whirlpool.
- Healthcare: This sector will add 21,810 jobs by 2032. There is a high demand for nurses and pharmacy technicians. Major employers include Henry Ford Health and Beaumont Health.
- Information Technology: The IT sector expects to grow by 2,490 jobs by 2032. Opportunities will arise for software developers and data scientists. Companies like Google and IBM have a strong presence in Michigan.
- Financial Services: This sector will add 6,630 jobs by 2032. Major employers include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and PNC Financial Services.
3. Education and Schools in Michigan
Michigan serves over 1.3 million students across 539 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:
- Public Schools: The state has 2,959 public schools known for their academic excellence. It includes top-rated schools like International Academy and Novi High School.
- Magnet and Charter Programs: With over 136 charter schools, Michigan provides specialized programs in STEM and arts, tuition-free. Vanguard Charter Academy and National Heritage Academy are among the best schools in the state.
- Private Schools: Michigan is home to over 934 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $8,227 annually.
- Higher Education: Michigan is home to 91 colleges, including the University Research Corridor and the globally-ranked University of Michigan.
Cost of Moving to Michigan 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while moving to Michigan:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $523 to $4,592
- Michigan movers usually charge $139 per hour, but the exact cost varies based on the size of your belongings and the distance of your move.
- If you prefer to DIY your move, renting a truck can be an affordable option. The average rental cost for a medium-sized truck ranges from $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Michigan.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving costs, you will incur additional expenses:
- You will need to set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average monthly utility bill in Michigan is about $413.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Michigan. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in MI depends on vehicle value and age. A standard title transfer costs around $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Wolverine State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Detroit, Warren, and Ann Arbor, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2,500.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Michigan, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Michigan in your budget. Coastal cities like Traverse City have a median home price of $797K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Lasing is $135K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Michigan ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to Michigan, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Explore the Community: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Michigan neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
