Moving to Michigan: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan, you’re not alone. The Wolverine State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Detroit and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Michigan, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Michigan to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Jump to the Michigan information you are looking for:
Pros & cons of living in Michigan
Like any big move, relocating to Michigan comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Wolverine State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in MI
- ✓Scenic beauty
- ✓Good higher education
- ✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Beautiful lakes
Cons of living in MI
- ✖Cold snowy winters
- ✖Spotty economic opportunity
- ✖Poor transportation infrastructure
- ✖Expensive education
- ✖Thick accents
Things to do in Michigan
Whether you’re moving to Michigan work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Michigan has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in Michigan
- Mackinac Island
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Henry Ford Museum
- Michigan State Capitol
- University of Michigan
- Isle Royale National Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Windmill Island Gardens
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
- Michigan History Center
- Impression 5 Science Center
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
- 6. Ludington State Park
- 8. Windmill Island Gardens
- 9. Belle Isle Park
- 10. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- 11. Gaylord’s City Elk Park
Fun facts about Michigan
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Michigan, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- Michigan is the only state in the U.S which consists of two peninsulas – the Lower (mainly an industrial area) and Upper Peninsulas (sparsely populated but mineral-rich).
- According to the Guinness World Records, Michigan is also home to the world’s tallest identical twins Michael and James Lanier (USA) (b. 27 November 1969) from Troy, Michigan, both stand 2.235 m (7 ft 3 in). Their sister Jennifer is 1.57 m (5 ft 2 in) tall.
- The state is also home to the headquarters of three major automobile manufacturing companies (General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC, and Ford Motor Co.) in the world.
- Michigan also has the nation’s longest freshwater coastline (3,288 miles), and the second-longest coastline of any U.S. state, after Alaska.
- The name of the state is derived from the word michi–gama (a Chippewa word), meaning “large lake.”
- The state is also home to Kellogg Company, the world’s leading ready-to-eat cereal producer. Battle Creek is one of the leading producers of cereal in the U.S. The city is nicknamed “Cereal Bowl of America”.
- Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are the major revenue-generating industries of the state.
- The completion of the first railroad in Michigan took place in 1836 and the first air passenger service was flagged off in the state in 1926.
- Michigan is also known as “Motor City” because it is a hub for car manufacturing since the early 1900s.
- Mount Arvon, the state’s highest point lies in the Upper Peninsula. More than 40% of the state is covered in water, which is more than any other state.
- The state is also home to the world’s largest cement manufacturing plant. The Huron Portland Cement Company started producing cement in Alpena in 1908
- Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan after Detroit, was rated as one of the 20 best livable cities in the U.S. The city takes its name from the Grand River, which happens to be Michigan’s largest inland river.
- Michigan and Oregon are the only two states in the U.S. that offer 10 cents back for recycling a can.
- In 1846, Michigan became the first English-speaking government to abolish the death penalty for all ordinary crimes.
- Traverse City, a city in Michigan, is known as “the cherry capital of the world.”
- Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan. The state has 11.3 million apple trees. Michigan is the third-largest apple-producing state in the U.S.
Michigan population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to Michigan, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Wolverine State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Michigan, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 |
| Female | 50.4% |
| Male | 49.3% |
| College graduation rate | 31.67% |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Crime index | 19.98 |
Michigan weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Michigan is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Michigan aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ |
Income and cost of living in Michigan
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Michigan.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Michigan and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($99.2 billion)
- Professional and business services ($70.5 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($63.3 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($49.5 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($34.8 billion)
- Retail trade ($32 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($27.3 billion)
- Construction ($21.4 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($19.1 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($13.6 billion)
| Metric | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index* | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.25% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Michigan
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Michigan has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Michigan:
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
- Grand Valley State University
- Calvin University
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Central Michigan University
- Oakland University
- Eastern Michigan University
- Ferris State University
- Northern Michigan University
- Hillsdale College
- Hope College
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Michigan
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Wolverine State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to MI
- Arkansas to MI
- Arizona to MI
- California to MI
- Colorado to MI
- Connecticut to MI
- Delaware to MI
- Florida to MI
- Georgia to MI
- Iowa to MI
- Idaho to MI
- Illinois to MI
- Indiana to MI
- Kansas to MI
- Kentucky to MI
- Louisiana to MI
- Massachusetts to MI
- Maryland to MI
- Maine to MI
- Minnesota to MI
- Missouri to MI
- Mississippi to MI
- Montana to MI
- North Carolina to MI
- North Dakota to MI
- Nebraska to MI
- New Hampshire to MI
- New Jersey to MI
- New Mexico to MI
- Nevada to MI
- New York to MI
- Ohio to MI
- Oklahoma to MI
- Oregon to MI
- Pennsylvania to MI
- Rhode Island to MI
- South Carolina to MI
- South Dakota to MI
- Tennessee to MI
- Texas to MI
- Utah to MI
- Virginia to MI
- Vermont to MI
- Washington to MI
- Wisconsin to MI
- West Virginia to MI
- Wyoming to MI
Cost of moving to Michigan
Before you take the leap to Michigan, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
|
||
Mayzlin Relocation
|
||
BLVD Moving
|
||
PODS
|
||
American Van Lines
|
Cost to bring your car to Michigan
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Michigan.
Michigan car insurance requirements
Michigan drivers license requirements
FAQ
Is it worth it to move to Michigan?
How much money should I have to move to Michigan?
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Michigan?
What is the downside of living in Michigan?
Michigan Moving Resources
moveBuddha Migration Reports
With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
