Moving to Michigan: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Considering a move to Michigan? You’re in good company. The Wolverine State draws people in with its energetic cities like Detroit and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Michigan has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Michigan so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the Michigan information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to MI
Top car shippers to MI
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Michigan

While relocating to Michigan offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Wolverine State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Michigan

✓Scenic beauty
✓Good higher education
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Low cost of living
✓Beautiful lakes

Cons of living in Michigan

✖Cold snowy winters
✖Spotty economic opportunity
✖Poor transportation infrastructure
✖Expensive education
✖Thick accents

Things to do in Michigan

No matter why you’re relocating to Michigan—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Michigan is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

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 its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Michigan shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next 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 more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at 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

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Michigan is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Michigan’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	Michigan
Summer high	81ºF
Winter low	14ºF
Annual rain	34″
Annual snow	64″

Income and cost of living in Michigan

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Michigan really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Michigan brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

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 top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Michigan deserves a spot at the top of your list.

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 have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 71 right here in Michigan—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Wolverine State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

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 $136 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	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

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 mandates a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in the event of an accident.

Michigan drivers license requirements

Michigan law mandates that new residents must title and register their vehicles immediately, as there is no grace period. You are considered a resident if you live in the state and can prove legal presence in the US. New residents need to visit a Secretary of State office to get a Michigan driver’s license, title, and registration as soon as they move to the state.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Michigan?

Moving to Michigan is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Michigan is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Michigan?

On the cost of living index, Michigan has a score of 92. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Michigan?

The average income in MI is $68,505, and the an unemployment rate is 4.7. Home prices are $245,716, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,037.

What is the downside of living in Michigan?

Like any place, Michigan has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Wolverine State include:

Cold snowy winters
Spotty economic opportunity
Poor transportation infrastructure
Expensive education
Thick accents

Michigan Moving Resources

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