$100k salary, packing up from Phoenix
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
less monthly outlay than Phoenix
The gap is real. Lansing costs noticeably less than Phoenix, every month.
a quick ledger.
$1,259/mo
28% cheaper than Phoenix(vs $1,739/mo)
4.25%
$146/mo more in state tax than Phoenix
vs 2.5% in Phoenix
$6,720/mo
$334 more than Phoenix
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$244k
47% cheaper than Phoenix
vs $458k in Phoenix
473k
vs 5.1M in Phoenix
field notes, weather & such.
153
pleasant days a year, in lansing.
Phoenix actually gets more: 181 pleasant days a year. Bring a real coat. 52 days stay under 20°, well past Phoenix's 0.
Lighter on events: Phoenix packs 11.1× more into a month.
57/100
14% lower than Phoenix
vs 66/100 in Phoenix
Closest outdoor draw: Sleepy Hollow State Park, 14.5 mi.
80/100
18% lower than Phoenix
vs 97/100 in Phoenix
6
93% fewer than Phoenix
vs 91 nonstops in Phoenix
compare lansing with:
