Thinking about moving to Michigan? You are not alone—over 135,000 people made the move last year. The state is home to 18 Fortune 500 companies and boasts a thriving job market, with over 215,000 new job openings in early 2025 and plans to add 375,000 more by 2030.
Michigan offers a perfectly balanced lifestyle. From the big-city energy of Detroit to beaches on the Great Lakes, there is always something to explore. This blog is your all-in-one moving to Michigan guide—everything you need to make your move smooth and stress-free.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Michigan is home to 18 Fortune 500 companies, including GM, Ford, and Meijer.
- Michigan offers affordable living, with a median home price of $262K and rent is about 34% below the national average. Nearly half of homes sell under asking.
- The job market is booming—215,000+ openings in 2025 and 375,000 more expected by 2030.
- Top colleges like U-M and MSU lead a strong education system, backed by aid programs like the Tuition Incentive Program and the MI Competitive Scholarship.
- Michigan’s cost of living is 4% below the national average—more affordable than most East and West Coast states.
- You will enjoy all four seasons, from snowy winters to sunny summers. Natural disasters are rare, though snowstorms and tornadoes can occur.
4 Reasons to Move to Michigan
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Michigan, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
The median house price in Michigan is $262K, which is significantly lower than the national average. Plus, renting a house also costs around 34% less than the national average. This makes Michigan a great choice if you’re moving on a budget.
Additionally, over 44% of the houses in Michigan are sold under the list price, making it a favorable market for buyers. This gives buyers plenty of room to negotiate and get the best value for their money.
2. Job Opportunities in Michigan
Top industries in Michigan include tech, healthcare, renewable energy, and hospitality. Jobs in healthcare, data analytics, and cybersecurity are in high demand, with top employers like Ford, GM, Corewell Health, Meijer, and Trinity Health.
Michigan has around 215,000 new job openings in April 2025, and aims to add another 374,930 new jobs by the end of 2030. This makes Michigan an attractive option for those moving for new opportunities.
3. Education in Michigan
Michigan serves over 1.3 million students across 539 school districts and around 3,000 public schools. Top universities in Michigan include the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.
Additionally, Michigan helps students with various aid programs. This includes programs like the Tuition Incentive Program, which offers free tuition, and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, which is a merit- and need-based award of up to $1,500/year.
4. Climate in Michigan
Michigan has a humid continental climate with 4 distinct seasons. The winters are usually cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging between 17°F-30°F, while summers are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 63°F-82°F.
Michigan is generally safe from major disasters, but it experiences tornadoes and snowstorms. Tornadoes mainly affect the south in spring and summer, while snowstorms are common in the west and north.
Pros and Cons of Living in Michigan
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Michigan:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Housing in Michigan is significantly lower than the national average. | 1. Expect heavy snow with icy roads and below-freezing temperatures from November to March. |
| 2. Michigan has 3,200+ miles of freshwater shoreline, over 100 state parks, and outdoor gems like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks. | 2. Michigan’s road infrastructure has deteriorated over time, and potholes are common, often causing damage to vehicles. |
| 3. Michigan is home to several top educational institutions, like the University of Michigan, Michigan State University. | 3. Post-industrial towns like Flint and parts of Detroit still struggle with high poverty, crime, and underfunded schools. |
| 4. The job market is growing, with major employers like GM, Ford, Henry Ford Health, and several tech startups. | 4. Small towns often have limited cultural diversity and fewer options for food, nightlife, and events. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Michigan ✅
Before entering the Michigan housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Vehicle Registration & Driver’s License: Unlike other states, there is no grace period for vehicle and driver’s license registration in Michigan. New residents must register their vehicle and obtain a driver’s license immediately upon establishing residency.
- Gun Carrying Laws: Concealed carry requires a CPL (Concealed Pistol License), but open carry is legal for adults aged 18 and above. However, new laws require secure firearm storage around minors, and red-flag laws are now actively enforced.
- Recreational Marijuana: Marijuana for recreational purposes is legal for adults aged 21 and above. You’re allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants at home. However, consumption in public areas is prohibited.
- Pet Registration Laws: The state does not have any specific rules for pets. However, rabies vaccinations are mandatory for dogs and cats. Additionally, many cities also require pet licenses and have local leash laws. Visit your city website to check the pet laws in your city.
Cost of Living in Michigan
The cost of living in Michigan is 4% lower than the national average, which simply means you spend less on daily expenses like utilities and food. So you are left with more disposable income to save and spend on a better lifestyle.
It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
How to Move to Michigan?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Michigan seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re going all-in with professional movers, you can expect to pay around $139 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity and Gas: Electricity and gas services vary depending on your location. DTE Energy or Consumers Energy are the major service providers in the region. You can visit their respective website to set up your service online.
- Water and Sewer: These services are usually managed by the local municipality’s utility departments. For example, in Detroit, the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) provides water and sewer services. It’s best to notify them ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Internet and Cable: Xfinity, AT&T, and Spectrum are the major internet and cable service providers in the state. Visit their respective website with your new zip code to check the availability in your city and to book an appointment.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your children must be at least 5 years old by September 1st for kindergarten, or 6 for the first grade. For enrollment, you’ll need documents like a birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, and a photo ID.
- For Older Students: You will need transcripts, immunization records, and any education plans (like an IEP or 504 Plan) in addition to the documents mentioned above.
- Transfer & Special Cases: These are usually managed by the local school districts. The enrollment requirements may vary depending on the school district. Make sure to check your new district’s website for specific instructions.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you are already working remotely and moving to Michigan, just ask your employer for state-specific tax and employment rules. The state offers benefits up to $20K to encourage remote workers relocating to Michigan.
- Find a New Job: Michigan’s “Michigan Works!” career portal is excellent for resume help, job training, and placement. You can also check job sites like Indeed for thousands of openings.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, the average rent ranges between $100 – $99,999[2]. However, this rent depends on the neighborhood and nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, on average, homes for sale in Traverse City cost around $442K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Flint and Kalamazoo offer affordable options with median housing costs of $64K[2] and $240K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Michigan?
Yes, you should definitely move to Michigan. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Michigan isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Michigan’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Michigan is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Michigan, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Michigan
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Michigan, long before the moving boxes are packed.
