Moving to Michigan as Newlyweds: Neighborhoods, Costs & Tips for Couples

Moving to Michigan as a new couple offers plenty of new and fun joint adventures. Michigan offers a mix of great cities, charming small towns, and incredible natural landscapes to enjoy.

Here's a guide on the cost of living and the best neighborhoods in Michigan as written by our pro Michigan moving team:

Housing Costs

Housing is almost always the biggest thing you need to budget for. Now that you are married and moving in together, you can save a bit on a double income plan. Here are some basic numbers to help you map your finances for the relocation:

• Rent: 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,200 to $2,200 per month in major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor. In smaller cities and towns, rent can be $800 to $1,500.
• Rent: 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500 to $2,800 per month in major cities; $1,200 to $2,000 in less central locations.

Home Pricing

• Detroit: $250,000 to $400,000, with some flexibility here based on neighborhood and home size. The “less affluent and more dangerous” areas of town have great homes for sale for cheap.
• Ann Arbor: $400,000 to $600,000, since it is a university town it is sim[le to find renters for the home you invest in.
• Grand Rapids: $300,000 to $500,000.
• Lansing: $200,000 to $350,000.
• Smaller Towns: $150,000 to $250,000. The prices drop when you get out of the familiar areas of Michigan and into the small towns.

Utilities

• Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage: $150 to $250 per month for a standard apartment.
• Internet: $60 to $100 per month, depending on speed and provider.

Transportation

• Gas: $3.00 to $4.00 per gallon.
• Public Transit:
• Detroit: Public buses have monthly passes for around $70.
• Grand Rapids: The Interurban Transit Partnership offers monthly passes for about $50.
• Ann Arbor: Monthly passes costing around $65.
• Parking: In urban areas, parking ranges from $100 to $200 per month. In smaller cities, it’s often less expensive or even free.

Groceries

• Monthly Grocery Bill: $300 to $500 for a single person.
• Common Grocery Prices:
• Milk: $3.00 to $4.00 per gallon.
• Bread: $2.50 to $4.00 per loaf.
• Eggs: $2.50 to $4.00 per dozen.

Schools

• Childcare:
• Full-Time Daycare: $1,000 to $1,800 per month per child.
• Preschool: $800 to $1,500 per month.
• Public Schools: Free
• Private Schools: $8,000 to $25,000 per year.

Overall, ensure to budget for the things you need. Whether it be two private cars to get to your jobs, daycare if you plan to bring a child into the world or whatever it is that you need.

Here is just a small taste of what and where our team loves to eat when in Michigan:

• Lumen: Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Lumen offers a menu with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and chic vibes.
• Zingerman’s Deli: A legendary spot known for its sandwiches, bagels, and artisanal products. 
• **The Chop House: Offers a sophisticated dining experience with high-quality steaks, seafood, and an elegant atmosphere.
• The Rattlesnake Club: A staple in Detroit's dining scene, It offers a blend of Southern and American cuisine with views of the river.
• The Grove: A farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on fresh, local ingredients and seasonal dishes. It is more of an up-scale restaurant.
• San Chez Bistro: A popular spot for tapas and Spanish cuisine. We hope they bring back their jazz nights soon.
• Logan’s Alley: Known for its comfort food, craft beers, and a laid-back vibe.
• The Creole: Offers authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, with flavorful dishes that bring a taste of New Orleans to your plate.
• The Boathouse: Known for its beautiful riverfront location and a menu featuring fresh seafood. Try the shrimps!
• The Southerner: Offers Southern-inspired cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
• New Holland Brewing Company: Known for its craft beers and great vibes!

Location is everything, so pick wisely!

• Midtown Detroit: Known for its arts scene, cultural institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, and a growing number of restaurants and shops. Midtown feels like something new is happening or opening every single day. This is a great place to move as newlyweds looking to find action.
• Traverse City: Known for its natural beauty, wineries, and downtown.
• Holland: It offers a great downtown as well as good schools and a strong Dutch culture.
• Corktown: One of Detroit’s oldest neighbourhoods with a mix of historic homes, new modern apartments, and a great and welcoming local community.
• Rosedale Park: It has lots of green spaces and a strong community feel.
• Downtown Ann Arbor: One of the quaintest areas with shops, restaurants, and cultural events, close to the University of Michigan. This spot attracts many students after their degree that decide to remain in Michigan.
• Kerrytown: Known for its charm, unique shops, and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
• Burns Park: A family-friendly neighbourhood with great schools and parks. If you are adding a +1 to the family soon, this is a great place to settle in.
• Downtown Grand Rapids: If you are looking for a lively arts scene, dining options, and access to museums and entertainment, this is a wonderful spot to set up shop.
• East Grand Rapids: Known for its excellent schools, family-friendly environment, and beautiful family homes.
• Old Town Lansing: A historic area with unique shops and galleries.
• West Lansing: Offers a suburban feel with good schools and family-friendly amenities.
• East Lansing: Home to Michigan State University, which brings many amenities and nightlife options.

Michigan offers a wide range of living options, from great cities to college towns to downright unknown small towns. The cost of living is generally lower than in many other states, with housing being the most expensive item overall.

No matter your lifestyle choices as a couple, Michigan offers a great mix of it all to start off this new chapter of your life together.