$100k a year, no longer in Chicago
changea dispatch from
lansing
MI
42.73°N
84.55°W
Lansing is the Michigan state capital, Michigan State (East Lansing is essentially a continuation), and old auto industry roots that have softened into a quieter mid-sized city. The Grand River curves through downtown. The Capitol building is one of the prettier state capitols you'll see. Cheap, friendly, and a quick drive to Lake Michigan beaches.
in our guides
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Most affordable places to live in America
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Cheapest cities in America
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Best cities to live in the Midwest
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Best cities to leave Nashville for
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Affordable alternatives to Nashville
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Best cities in the Great Lakes region
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Best cities to retire early
read the guidethe verdict
under Chicago, every month
In Lansing, rent stops being the headline. The cost gap shows up every month without you trying.
a quick ledger.
$1,259/mo
42% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
4.25%
$58/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,720/mo
$969 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$244k
33% cheaper than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
473k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
153
pleasant days a year, in lansing.
Chicago barely cracks 153 pleasant ones.
Noticeably quieter than Chicago. About 99% fewer events on a typical month.
57/100
19% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Sleepy Hollow State Park, 14.5 mi.
80/100
20% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
6
97% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
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