with $100k coming in, swapping out of Portland
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
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cheaper each month than Portland
Lansing is the kind of cheap that changes the math. Same salary, a different life on the other side.
a quick ledger.
$1,259/mo
29% cheaper than Portland(vs $1,781/mo)
4.25%
$375/mo less in state tax than Portland
vs 8.75% in Portland
$6,720/mo
$897 more than Portland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$244k
57% cheaper than Portland
vs $562k in Portland
473k
vs 2.5M in Portland
field notes, weather & such.
153
pleasant days a year, in lansing.
Portland edges ahead with 178 pleasant days. Winter asks for something in return: 52 days under 20° here, 2 in Portland.
Noticeably quieter than Portland. About 85% fewer events on a typical month.
57/100
34% lower than Portland
vs 87/100 in Portland
Closest outdoor draw: Sleepy Hollow State Park, 14.5 mi.
80/100
20% lower than Portland
vs 100/100 in Portland
6
89% fewer than Portland
vs 57 nonstops in Portland
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