$100k salary, packing up from Salem
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
below Salem's monthly cost
The gap is real. Lansing costs noticeably less than Salem, every month.
a quick ledger.
$1,259/mo
23% cheaper than Salem(vs $1,642/mo)
4.25%
$375/mo less in state tax than Salem
vs 8.75% in Salem
$6,720/mo
$758 more than Salem
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$244k
46% cheaper than Salem
vs $452k in Salem
473k
vs 437k in Salem
field notes, weather & such.
153
pleasant days a year, in lansing.
Salem edges ahead with 201 pleasant days. Cold is the cost: 52 days drop below 20° vs Salem's 1.
A real upgrade on things to do: 18.0× Salem's pace.
57/100
17% lower than Salem
vs 69/100 in Salem
Closest outdoor draw: Sleepy Hollow State Park, 14.5 mi.
80/100
9% lower than Salem
vs 88/100 in Salem
6
0% fewer than Salem
vs 0 nonstops in Salem
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