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Moving from New York to Michigan

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare. vs. Great Lakes, auto industry, rebounding Detroit.

NY state flag
Living now

New York

Capital: Albany

Median household income $81,386 · winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days

NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

MI state flag
Moving to

Michigan

Capital: Lansing

Median household income $68,995 · winter low 17°F · 165 sunny days

Great Lakes, auto industry, rebounding Detroit.

Michigan has an overall price level 96.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New York
107.9
Michigan
96.2
Michigan has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
New York
122.2
Michigan
82.3
Michigan has 33% lower housing costs
Groceries index
New York
107.3
Michigan
96.0
Michigan has 10% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New York
101.2
Michigan
99.4
Michigan has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New York
29.5 ¢/kWh
Michigan
21.4 ¢/kWh
Michigan has 27% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New York
101.6
Michigan
99.2
Michigan has 2.3% lower transportation
Median home value
New York
$449,800
Michigan
$254,200
Michigan is 43% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New York
$1,634/mo
Michigan
$1,168/mo
Michigan is 29% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 17°F · 165 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New York
84°F
Michigan
82°F
Michigan is 2.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New York
24°F
Michigan
17°F
Michigan is 29% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New York
47°F
Michigan
46°F
Michigan is 3.4% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New York
184
Michigan
165
Michigan has 10% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New York
43 in
Michigan
33 in
Michigan is 22% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New York
53
Michigan
72
Michigan has 36% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
New York
0
Michigan
0
Snow / year
New York
76 in
Michigan
77 in
Michigan is 1.3% more annual snowfall

Get the full New YorkMichigan report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Michigan than New York?

Michigan's overall price level is roughly 92.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.5 for New York, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

New York tops out at 10.9% income tax. Michigan tops out at 4.25%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Michigan?

Most Michigan residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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