5 Pros and Cons of Living in Michigan

Thinking about making the move to the Great Lakes State? Michigan has been quietly winning over newcomers with its unbeatable combination of affordable housing, world-class schools, and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. Whether you’re interested in Detroit’s cultural renaissance, Ann Arbor’s college town energy, or Northville’s family-friendly community, Michigan is certainly special.

With average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at just $932 and two-bedrooms averaging $1,196 - well below national averages - your dollar goes further here than in most states. Plus, you’ll have access to over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, four distinct seasons packed with outdoor adventures, and a passionate sports culture.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you decide if Michigan is the right fit for your lifestyle and goals.

Methodology: We used internal Apartment List data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from Rent.com and Apartments.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Michigan as of September 2025. Crime grades are from CrimeGrade.org.

Key Insights

• Exceptional Housing Affordability: Michigan offers remarkable value with average rent at $932 for one-bedroom apartments, significantly below the national average of $1,500.
• Unmatched Outdoor Recreation: Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any other U.S. state plus abundant snowfall, creating year-round opportunities for summer swimming and winter skiing.
• Strong Educational Foundation: The state features world-class universities like University of Michigan (A+ rated) and exceptional K-12 districts in cities like Troy and Northville.
• Diverse Economic Opportunities: Michigan's job market thrives across automotive, healthcare, technology, and education sectors with major employers like Ford, GM, and Trinity Health.
• The Trade-offs: Michigan faces significant challenges with harsh winters that can last for months and notoriously poor road conditions with widespread potholes that make commuting frustrating.

Quick Facts About Michigan

1. Pro: Affordable Housing

One of the biggest perks of living in Michigan is how far your money can go. Housing is more affordable here than in many other states. Even in pricier cities like Ann Arbor, you’ll usually find better deals than in big coastal cities, which makes Michigan appealing for young professionals and families alike.

2. Con: Bad Infrastructure

If you’ve ever driven through Michigan, you’ve probably heard the jokes about potholes—and they’re not entirely wrong. The state’s tough weather and aging roads can make commuting frustrating. Public transportation is limited outside of major cities, so most people rely on a car, which means you’ll likely be budgeting for repairs and gas.

3. Pro: Plentiful Outdoor Activities

If you love the outdoors, Michigan is hard to beat. With four Great Lakes, thousands of smaller lakes, and endless trails, there’s always something to do outside. Summers are perfect for boating, fishing, or beach trips, while winter brings skiing, snowmobiling, and cozy cabin getaways. It’s a state where each season truly has its own adventure.

4. Con: Harsh Winters

Michigan winters are no joke. Snowstorms, icy roads, and freezing temperatures can stretch on for months, especially in the Upper Peninsula. While many Michigan residents embrace winter sports, the long cold season can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Those heating bills don’t make it any easier either!

5. Pro: Vibrant Sports Culture

Sports bring people together in Michigan like few other things. From cheering on the Detroit Lions or Red Wings to spending Saturdays wrapped in the Michigan vs Michigan State rivalry, there’s always a game to get excited about.

Is Michigan a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Michigan is a wonderful place to call home if you’re looking for a mix of city convenience, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. The average rent for a one-bedroom is just $932, with two-bedrooms averaging around $1,196 — below the national average. You’ll find plenty of choices, from modern downtown lofts, historic neighborhoods, or more affordable suburban options. With strong universities, growing job opportunities, access to the Great Lakes, and a lively cultural scene of sports, music, and festivals, Michigan has a lot to offer.

What’s it Like Living in Michigan?

Living in Michigan is perfect for those who love a slower pace, the beautiful outdoors, and sports. Known as the “Great Lakes State,” Michigan offers more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the U.S., making it a paradise for anyone who enjoys beaches, boating, and water sports. Summers are filled with lake days, farmers markets, and festivals, while winters bring snow sports, cozy cabins, and plenty of opportunities for ice fishing and skiing.

Michigan’s cities each have their own personality. Detroit, the state’s largest city, is experiencing a major comeback with a thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the historic Motown Museum. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a fun-loving college town known for its food culture, bookshops, and events like the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Grand Rapids has a reputation for craft beer and a lively downtown, while Traverse City is a favorite summer destination thanks to its wineries, cherry orchards, and access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

What’s the Culture Like in Michigan?

Michigan’s culture is a fantastic mix of sports pride, music history, arts, and food. Pro teams like the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, and Tigers unite fans across the state, but college football can rival them in intensity. Saturdays in Ann Arbor or East Lansing are electric as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans battle it out, with tailgating and school pride fueling one of the nation’s fiercest rivalries.

Music and arts thrive here too. Detroit, the birthplace of Motown and techno, still pulses with live shows and festivals like Movement, while Ann Arbor’s Folk Festival attracts national attention. Food culture is equally strong: Detroit is famous for its coney dogs and square pizza, Grand Rapids boasts a booming craft beer scene, Traverse City celebrates cherries in the summer, and Frankenmuth serves up Bavarian favorites.

What’s the Cost of Living in Michigan?

If you're looking to move to an affordable place in the Great Lakes State, you're in luck! Michigan’s overall cost of living is 4.29% lower than the national average, making it the 26th cheapest state in the country.

Of course, the cost of living in Michigan varies from city to city. Troy, Michigan’s most expensive city, is 10.23% higher than the state average and 5.5% higher than the U.S. average. In comparison, the cheapest city in Michigan is Kalamazoo, which is 11.71% lower compared to the state average and 15.5% lower than the national average.

We also took a look at how much things cost across different cities in Michigan.

How Is the Job Market in Michigan?

Michigan’s job market is full of opportunities across automotive, healthcare, technology, and education. Big employers like Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Trinity Health, Corewell Health, and the University of Michigan provide steady careers in everything from corporate and medical roles to research and startups. Detroit is the hub for automotive and manufacturing, Grand Rapids is known for healthcare and tech, and Ann Arbor draws talent with its university.

Unemployment has hovered slightly above the national average in recent years, around 4-5%, but there’s still strong demand for skilled workers. The labor force has been growing steadily, and opportunities exist for both new graduates and experienced professionals. With its variety of industries, affordable living, and beautiful scenery, Michigan is a great place to build a career.

How Safe Is Michigan?

Overall, Michigan is a relatively safe state, earning a B grade for crime and ranking in the 63rd percentile for safer. That means it’s safer than about two-thirds of U.S. states, though crime rates do vary depending on where you live. On average, the state sees about 27.3 reported crimes per 1,000 residents each year, and your chance of being a victim can differ significantly between cities.

Safety tends to be higher in the southern part of the state, with cities like Holland, Sterling Heights, and Troy often cited as the safest. On the other hand, areas such as Detroit, Flint, and Muskegon report higher crime likes. Like many cities, your experience will depend on the neighborhood, but in general, Michigan is a welcoming place to live.

What Are Schools Like in Michigan?

Michigan offers fantastic educational opportunities from kindergarten through college, ranking 23rd in the country. The state is home to some exceptional K-12 schools, including Cranbook Schools and International Academy, both located in Bloomfield Hills. Greenhills School in Ann Arbor is also really good, known as one of the top college prep schools for sciences. Families also love the outstanding public school districts in cities like Novi, Northville, Troy, and Okemos.

Michigan also has some top options for higher education. The University of Michigan and Michigan Technological University are known for engineering and computer science, while Michigan State University provides an excellent comprehensive research experience.

Is Michigan a Good Place to Raise a Family?

Michigan is a wonderful place to raise a family, offering quality schools, a strong economy, and affordable homes. Troy, Okemos, Northville, and Bloomfield Hills have all been named as among the top areas in Michigan to raise a family based on their excellent school districts. The state provides excellent access to outdoor adventures year-round, from beautiful beaches along the Great Lakes in the summer to winter sports activities, plus fun attractions like Legoland in Auburn Hills, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and Castle Farms in Charlevoix.

What Are Some Popular Cities in Michigan?

Michigan offers a wonderful variety of cities to match different lifestyles, from lively urban centers to charming college towns, and family-friendly suburbs. Some of the best places to live include Detroit, known for house music and the automotive industry, Grand Rapids for its art scene and craft breweries, and Ann Arbor for its college town energy.

Is Living in Michigan Right for You?

Michigan could be the perfect fit for you if you’re looking for affordable living costs, excellent schools, and access to the great outdoors. The state has so much to offer, whether you’re drawn to the cultural heritage of Detroit, the college town atmosphere of Ann Arbor, or a family-friendly suburb like Novi. For more insights on finding your perfect home, explore our guide to the best places to live in Michigan. Ready to find your dream home in Michigan? Take Apartment List’s personalized quiz to discover the best match for your lifestyle and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Michigan

What are the downsides of living in Michigan?

The biggest downsides include harsh winters, poor road infrastructure with notorious potholes, and limited public transportation outside major cities.

Why are people moving to Michigan?

People are moving to Michigan because of its affordable housing costs, excellent schools, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and growing job market in industries like automotive and healthcare.

What are the biggest risks of living in Michigan?

The main risks include dealing with severe winter weather conditions, potential car damage from poor road conditions, and higher crime rates in certain urban areas like Detroit and Flint.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Michigan?

With the median household income at $62,637 and housing costs well below national averages, most people can live comfortably on $50,000-$70,000 annually, depending on the city and lifestyle.

What is Michigan like?

Michigan is known for its outdoor adventure activities, four distinct seasons, passionate sports culture, the Great Lakes, and friendly communities.

Is Michigan expensive to live in?

No, Michigan’s cost of living is 4.29% lower than the national average, making it the 26th cheapest state in the US, with an average rent of $932 for one-bedroom apartments.

What is the weather like in Michigan year-round?

Michigan experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers perfect for lake activities and long, cold winters with heavy snow, especially in the Upper Peninsula.