The median home price in Michigan is $227,200, which has increased by 9.1% since the last year. The Michigan housing market has witnessed a 6.8% year-over-year decline in the number of homes listed. With only a 2-month supply left, the tight inventory is expected to drive an increase in the median sale price.
As per our research, home prices are relatively higher in area near Grand Rapids, MI. On the other hand, as you move towards the inland areas of the Wolverine State, you can find cheaper housing options.
4 Reasons to live in Michigan 🌭
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Michigan is ~$227K. But you can get houses between $56K and $214K in cities like Flint, Lansing, and Midland.
- Tax Benefits: The income tax rate in Michigan was reduced to 4.05% in 2023 and is expected to reduce further in 2024.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare in cities that are listed below is up to 21% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than national average. You can save up to $750 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Michigan in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flint | $35,451 | $56,876 | 79,854 | 4.0% | 33.3% |
| Detroit | $37,761 | $65,800 | 620,376 | 9.4% | 31.5% |
| Albion | $41,594 | $120,067 | 7,622 | 6.4% | 26.7% |
| Lansing | $50,747 | $142,553 | 112,537 | 3.9% | 20.0% |
| Muskegon | $40,900 | $161,652 | 38,220 | 4.4% | 22.9% |
| Battle Creek | $49,684 | $163,278 | 52,123 | 4.2% | 19.2% |
| Midland | $71,809 | $214,764 | 42,512 | 3.6% | 9.2% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in MI
The annual population growth of 1.6% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Michigan. If you’re considering shifting to the Wolverine State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Flint
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 14.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $56,876 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $769 |
| 🌅 Known For | Flint River |
Flint is an affordable place to live in Michigan. The median house rent ranges from $375 – $1,800. It also offers very affordable healthcare that costs 21.4% lower than the national average.
Flint has a fascinating history that has shaped its unique culture. As the birthplace of General Motors (GM), Flint played a vital role in the automotive industry’s development.
The Flint Institute of Arts and the Sloan Museum offer residents with enriching cultural experiences, showcasing art, history, and regional exhibits.
» Homes for Sale in Flint, MI: Find your dream home in this city.
2. Detroit
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 8.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $65,800 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Motown Museum |
Detroit is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Michigan with an average home rent ranging between $425 – $10,750. It also offers affordable grocery that costs 11% lower than the national average.
Detroit is home to several esteemed educational institutions, including Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy. These universities offer wide range of academic programs and contribute to the intellectual growth and cultural vibrancy of the city.
» Homes for Sale in Detroit, MI: Browse thousands of property listings in Detroit.
3. Albion
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 17.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $120,067 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,250 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Festival of the Forks |
With rental costs below the national average, Albion stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Michigan. The house rent price is between $775 – $1,600.
Albion takes pride in its strong community engagement. Events like the Albion Community Fair, Festival of the Forks, and the Albion Farmers’ Market bring residents together and foster a sense of unity. These events showcase local talent and promote small businesses.
» Homes for Sale in Albion, MI: View all the properties for sale in this city.
4. Lansing
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 16.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $142,553 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Michigan State Capitol |
Lansing offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $1,000 lower than the national median. Moreover, the transportation costs are 5.2% below the national average in the city.
Lansing is the capital city of Michigan, serving as an energetic hub of government programs and local engagement. Residents have unique opportunities to actively participate in the democratic process.
» Homes for Sale in Lansing, MI: Browse through thousands of affordable properties.
5. Muskegon
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 15.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $161,652 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 🎨 Known For | Medbury Park |
Often referred to as the ‘The Great Lakes State,’ Muskegon’s cost of living is 15.9% lower than the national average. The utilities expenses are 8% lower than the national average.
Muskegon’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US.
» Homes for Sale in Muskegon, MI: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
6. Battle Creek
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 17.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $163,278 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 🏫 Known For | Binder Park Zoo |
The house rent in Battle Creek is between $450 – $3,220. With an average household income of $49,684, you can comfortably live in this city.
Battle Creek provides amenities aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life. These include parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions such as the Binder Park Zoo. These amenities offer opportunities for leisure, exercise, and family outings, contributing to residents’ overall well-being.
» Homes for Sale in Battle Creek, MI: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Michigan.
7. Midland
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 14.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $214,764 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Dow Gardens |
Midland is indeed one of the best places to live in Michigan. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $467. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Midland fosters a strong sense of community, evident in events like the Midland Balloon Festival and the Midland Farmers Market. These events bring residents together, promoting connections and a shared sense of belonging.
» Homes for Sale in Midland, MI: Get yourself a home in this economic city.
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Bottom Line
The cost of living in Michigan is 4% lower than the national average. Nevertheless, it is home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Michigan, you can find affordable housing in cities like Flint, Detroit, and Albion.
Cities like Battle Creek and Midland have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
Find Homes for Sale in MI Under Your Specific Budget
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Michigan, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, Zillow and Best Places.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in Michigan?
The cheapest place to live in Michigan is Flint.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Michigan: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Michigan!
Is Michigan the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $227,200. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
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