01 · the cities
Lansing
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.
full dispatch→Akron
Akron was the Rubber City (Goodyear, Firestone, BFGoodrich all built here), and the legacy still shapes its industrial bones. LeBron James is from Akron and never forgets it. The Goodyear blimp is based in town. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just north, with waterfalls and rail-trails. Cheaper than Cleveland, with its own quiet charm.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,259/mo
$1,259/mo
Median home price
Median home price
$244k
$236k
$7k less than Lansing
State income tax
State income tax
4.3%
4.0%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,720/mo
$6,742/mo
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
153 days
152 days
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
0 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
52 days
40 days
days below 20°F per year
Lansing drops below 20°F on 12 more days per year than Akron.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
57 / 100
65 / 100
8.0 pts ahead of Lansing
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
6 routes
11 routes
5 more direct routes than Lansing
Metro size
Metro size
473k metro
698k metro
Lansing has 1.8x fewer events per month than Akron.
the verdict
0
Lansing
categories won
6
Akron
categories won
Akron wins this comparison, leading on money and weather.
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