Michigan Town Ranked #2 Best to Live on Less Than $2,000 a Month
The cost of living can be astronomical in certain areas of the country, including Michigan. That’s especially true if you want to buy a house or rent a nice place. So, is there anywhere in America that you can comfortably live on $2,000 a month anymore? Apparently, and thankfully, the answer is yes, and in Michigan. There’s a new study out that highlights the best areas of the country where you can get by on less than $2,000 a month. So, let’s get into it.
The research is from GoBankingRates.com. They looked at cities across America in terms of livability. That’s “defined as having a high average score in the following categories: amenities, crime, cost of living, weather and education.” Then, GOBankingRates brought together data from ApartmentList, Sperling’s Best and the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Consumer Expenditure Survey to determine the cost of “essential expenses such as rent, groceries and healthcare. To qualify, the city also had to have a population that was 10% or more over the age of 65 and a livability score of 65 or higher from AreaVibes.” Their study is actually on the best cities to retire on $2,000 or less per month. But, if you are still working, it applies, too.
Let’s look at the No. 1 city in America to live on less than $2,000 a month. It’s Lake Charles, Louisiana. There, GOBankingRates calculates that the monthly expenditures are $1,566.43, the 2022 average one-bedroom Rent is $696.33, the livability is 70, the monthly grocery cost is $407.13 and the monthly healthcare cost is $462.97.
Well, guess what? No. 2 on the list is actually Lansing, Michigan. As someone who grew up in Lansing, I’m kind of surprised, because it doens’t seem super affordable, but these are the numbers, According to GOBankingRates, in Lansing, monthly expenditures are $1,610.05, the 2022 average one-bedroom rent is $811.44, the livability is 66, the monthly grocery cost is $399.25 and the monthly healthcare cost is $399.36. Find the full list of all the cities where you can live for under $2,000 a month here.
5 High-Demand Jobs Heating Up Michigan's Market
General & Operation Managers
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The projected annual job openings amount to 6,545, offering an hourly wage spanning from $29 to $72. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 11.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor’s degree alongside relevant work experience.
Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
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The projected annual job openings amount to 7,635, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $29. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12.7%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a postsecondary nondegree award, short-term on-the-job training, or a license.
Sales Reps, Services, and Non-Technical Goods
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The projected annual job openings amount to 8,240, offering an hourly wage spanning from $21 to $40. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 9.6%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include moderate on-the-job training.
Registered Nurses
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The projected annual job openings amount to 6,345, offering an hourly wage spanning from $30 to $38. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 7.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor’s degree or s license.
Child, Family, & School Social Workers
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The projected annual job openings amount to 1,420, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $30. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor’s degree or s license.
