Move to Lansing Area (Detroit, Ann Arbor: apartments, travel, income)

[wandering456]

Can a person afford to live off of $30,000 a year? I've been offered a job here, thats starts about this for the first year. Then it goes up each year after, with some significant increases, as I learn the industry.

Could 2 people afford this? My husband will be looking for a job in the area, but I've heard the market isn't great...

Opinions please...

[Adieoz]

There are lots of cost of living calculators out there. Just google "cost of living". Most things in Lansing area about the national average, except housing, which is about half the national average. We have a one bedroom house we rent for $525 with a full basement, garage, and washer and dryer. Most of our units Downtown go for between $450-$600 (two bedroom units). Our two bedrooms rent for between $450 and $695 and three bedrooms from $625 to $875, depending on location and condition. I guess you can survive on any income, it just depends on how you live.

[100%Michigan]

Welcome to Lansing

Yes you can afford to live off of $30,000 a year, almost just about anywhere. As for Lansing I would say with your income you should stay in apartments ( rent ) rather than a home. Most of the time staying in a home with that income is not such a appealing or valuable area ( crime rate may be high, dont get me wrong I'm not saying its for every low income area just most of the time from what I know. )

[prestonMI]

Can a person afford to live off of $30,000 a year? I've been offered a job here, thats starts about this for the first year. Then it goes up each year after, with some significant increases, as I learn the industry.

Could 2 people afford this? My husband will be looking for a job in the area, but I've heard the market isn't great...

Opinions please...

With 30,000 a year you should be quite comfortable. Houses can be bought for 75-100 grand. Cheaper still. It's a buyers market. Lansing has every thing a big city can offer but toned down. The immediate area around the capital building is consistent to Detroit, but like Detroit the further you travel out the nicer it gets.

The market is about good as it gets in Lansing...though not developing as quick as, say Ann Arbor.