Cost of Living in Lansing Michigan in 2025

Lansing/Michigan Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

Housing Costs: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lansing has risen steadily, reaching approximately $1,100 in 2025.
Transportation Expenses: Public transit fares remain affordable, with monthly passes costing around $50 and fuel prices averaging $3.20 per gallon.
Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored health insurance averages about $150 monthly, with silver plan premiums near $400 monthly.
Income Levels: Median household income in Lansing is projected to be approximately $53,000 in 2025, showing gradual growth from previous years.

Lansing, Michigan, offers a cost of living well below the national average, particularly in housing and food expenses.

This article presents a comprehensive breakdown of Lansing's various living costs in 2025, covering housing, utilities, transportation, and more.

1. Housing Costs in Lansing/Michigan

Housing is a dominant factor in Lansing's cost of living. Below is a historical overview of rent prices for a one-bedroom apartment:

2010: Approximately $700
2015: Around $800
2020: Approximately $900
2024: Reached $1,059
2025: Projected at $1,100

Rent prices have seen steady growth reflecting demand and economic factors in Lansing and surrounding areas.

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2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Lansing/Michigan

The housing market in Lansing has experienced appreciation over the last decade:

2010: Median home price was about $95,000
2015: Increased to $110,000
2020: Approximately $127,100
2024: Reached $150,000
2025: Projected at $155,000

This steady rise speaks to the stability and potential investment value found in the Lansing real estate market.

3. Transportation Expenses in Lansing/Michigan

Lansing offers accessible transportation options with reasonable costs:

Public Transit: The one-way fare is about $1.50, with a monthly pass available at $50.00.
Fuel Costs: Gasoline prices average $3.20 per gallon in 2025.
Vehicle Maintenance: Annual maintenance costs are roughly $800.

These transportation expenses depend largely on individual commuting habits and vehicle usage.

4. Utility Costs in Lansing/Michigan

Typical monthly utility bills for a household include:

Electricity: $214.66
Internet: $50.00
Total Utilities: Approximately $264.66 monthly

Utility expenses vary based on consumption and service providers but remain fairly consistent.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Lansing/Michigan

The cost of food is generally affordable in Lansing:

Monthly grocery expenses are around $250 per person. Dining out options include casual meals averaging $12 and mid-range restaurant meals costing about $40.

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6. Healthcare Costs in Lansing/Michigan

Healthcare expenses include multiple insurance options:

Employer-sponsored monthly premiums average $150, while silver health plans cost about $400 monthly.

7. Educational Expenses in Lansing/Michigan

Education costs vary notably by institution type:

Public Schools: Tuition-free, funded through taxes.
Private Schools: Average tuition is around $10,000 per year.
In-State University: Tuition averages about $12,000 per year for residents.

Costs depend on specific schools and programs chosen.

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Lansing/Michigan

Residents enjoy reasonable prices for entertainment and leisure activities:

Movie Tickets: About $11.65 each.
Gym Memberships: Approximately $30 monthly.
Mid-Range Restaurant Meals: Average $40 per meal.

Annual spending on entertainment totals roughly $2,000, with additional personal care services costing around $600 each year.

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9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Lansing/Michigan

Key tax rates affecting residents include:

State Income Tax: Fixed at 4.25% across income brackets.
Sales Tax: 6% total tax rate.
Property Tax: 1.83% of property value annually.

These taxes contribute significantly to local government revenues and public services.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Lansing/Michigan

Families budgeting for childcare should consider the following monthly costs:

Daycare: Approximately $800.
After-School Programs: Around $300.
Extracurricular Activities: Estimated at $100.

These expenses are crucial for working families balancing childcare needs.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Lansing/Michigan

Monthly spending on clothing and personal care looks like this:

Clothing: About $100 per month.
Personal Care Products and Services: Estimated around $50 monthly.

Expenses may fluctuate according to personal tastes and lifestyle habits.

12. Insurance Costs in Lansing/Michigan

Essential insurance premiums include:

Health Insurance: Silver plan average monthly cost is approximately $400.
Auto Insurance: Annual average of $1,200.
Homeowners Insurance: Roughly $1,000 annually.
Renters Insurance: About $200 annually.

These costs protect individuals and families financially from unexpected events.

Restaurant owners might find value in this article about restaurant insurance costs to better manage business expenses.

13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Lansing/Michigan

Other notable annual costs include:

Entertainment: Around $2,000 yearly.
Personal Care Services: About $600 annually.
Miscellaneous Goods and Services: Approximately $700 yearly.

Such expenses add depth to overall living costs depending on household preferences.

14. Income and Salaries in Lansing/Michigan

Household incomes have grown steadily over recent years:

2010: Median household income was about $46,000.
2015: Increased to roughly $50,000.
2020: Grew to an estimated $52,170.
2023: Approximately $52,700.
2025: Projected at $53,000.

This gradual increase mirrors economic trends and inflation adjustments.

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15. Comparison with National Averages

Lansing fares favorably in cost comparisons with the US national average:

Overall Cost of Living: About 9% below the national average.
Housing: Significantly lower by 18%.
Utilities: Slightly higher by 4%.
Food: Lower by 11%.
Healthcare: Lower by 7%.
Transportation: Higher by 6%.
Goods & Services: Lower by 8%.

These figures suggest Lansing remains an affordable place to live relative to many parts of the country.

Our Methodology for Lansing Cost of Living Figures

We compile these estimates using reputable sources including government data, housing market reports and trusted cost of living databases. In some cases, figures are approximated due to limited availability.

Lansing Cost of Living: Conclusion

Living in Lansing, Michigan offers affordability, especially in housing and everyday expenses, making it attractive for residents and new arrivals.

While some costs like transportation and utilities are slightly above national norms, overall costs remain below average, aiding in improved quality of life.

A full understanding of these factors can help individuals and families plan their budgets effectively when considering Lansing as home.