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For our entire lives, we lived in the Bronx, New York. Other than the few years we spent as kids in the Dominican Republic, all we knew was sirens, trains, buses, music blasting, and traffic stacked bumper-to-bumper. And honestly? The constant noise and the lack of space wore me down mentally. My anxiety would skyrocket every time an emergency vehicle came screaming down the street. I’m already a stay-at-home-mom, I don’t need more on my plate.
On top of that, there weren’t many activities we could afford for the kids. And the ones that were “affordable”? We’d have to haul three kids under 8 onto a packed bus, then a train, and pray my autistic son didn’t have a meltdown in the middle of it all. Our summers were basically just the park and even that was a 12-minute walk away. It just felt like too much and too little at the same time. It was stressing me out.
We had been saving to eventually move back to the DR, but then my husband applied for a transfer in over ten states. Michigan came back with an offer. Arizona was my top pick (because listen, I do NOT want to mess with another cold winter), but they never responded. So moving to Michigan became our best option. And honestly? It was the right choice for our family.
The New Life We Chose After Moving to Michigan
We traded the sirens and crowded sidewalks for a quiet community where my kids have actual space to play. Our two-bedroom apartment comes with:
- A balcony
- A pool
- Laundry in-unit (hallelujah)
- One covered parking space + one unassigned
- A 12×12 locked storage unit in the basement
- A tennis court
- Tons of greenery for the kids to run wild
- In the Bronx, our “view” was traffic, delis, discount stores, and the train station. After moving to Michigan, my view from my balcony are trees, green grass and my kids actually being kids. And the peace? Worth every dollar we’ve spent.
The Big Swipe: $20,000 on a Car Before Moving to Michigan
The first big hit to our savings was the car.
We bought a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited Edition from my mom for $20,000 (she was going to sell it for us originally for $23, 500). It had about 85k miles, which isn’t bad, and with three kids, homeschooling, and errands, we needed a reliable family car. Also, my mom took care of her car for the years she’s had it and it made sense to buy it from her and not a stranger that didn’t take care of it or even had an accident or even had mechanical problem and stayed quiet.
It was a smart buy long-term, but it hurt to watch $20k disappear.
Travel + Moving Costs to Michigan
Getting here wasn’t free either:
- Hotel, gas, and food and apartment application fees on our Michigan visit: $1,400
- U-Haul trailer: $946
- Hitch for the trailer: $213
- Gas for the 680-mile drive: $150
- Road snacks (because kids…): $70
- Tolls: $75
- Family dinner when we arrived: $50
Total: $2,904
Apartment Move-In Costs After Moving to Michigan
Security deposit, first month, and fees = $5,287.
It wasn’t cheap, but when you compare it to what we had in New York, this space and quiet is priceless.
Settling In After Moving to Michigan
These are the “hidden” costs that pile up fast once you unpack:
- Car registration: $600
- Car insurance: $283
- Food, couch, eating out, and random house stuff (vacuum, etc.): $1,500
- Last Con Edison bill in NY: $191
- Xfinity internet setup: $70
The Xfinity WiFi also came with a little bonus: one year of free phone service. You know I’m all about saving whenever I can, so I’m planning to get my husband a used, unlocked phone and hook him up on that plan. After the free year, it’ll only cost $20 a month which still beats the $35 we’re currently paying with AirTalk Wireless. Little switches like this may not sound huge, but they add up over time and keep more money in our pocket.
The Grand Total
- Car: $20,000
- Travel + moving: $2,904
- Apartment move-in: $5,287
- Settling in: $2,644
Total: $30,835
Factor in all the little purchases, and we’re right around $32,000.
We started with $35k in savings. Today, we’ve got $3,202 left. That’s what moving to Michigan really cost us.
What’s Next After Moving to Michigan
- Get a second car (aka a hooptie): My husband needs his own wheels for work. Nothing fancy, just reliable.
- I’ll keep the Ford: Because homeschooling, errands, and kids’ activities require space.
- Sign the kids up for activities: Once the second car is handled, I’ll finally be able to sign the kids up. Thanks to my oldest receiving SSI, we’ll have a little more room for activities, homeschooling supplies, and other expenses.
- Rebuild savings: That $3,202 has to grow. And I’ve got a plan.
My Plan to Save Again
- Start Small with Savings Challenges
We’ve got more expenses now, so I can’t save big chunks like before. I’m starting with one of the $10 savings challenges from my bundle to rebuild our emergency fund slowly but surely. - No Spend Challenge Reset
I’m pulling out my No Spend Challenge Workbook again. The last time I did it, I saved almost $500 in a month. - Cook More Often
That first month we ate out way too much. From here on out, I’m cooking more at home and checking TikTok for new, kid-friendly recipes to keep things fresh. - Track Every Dollar
I’m restarting my weekly spending trackers, which I highly recommend if you’re new to budgeting. It’s the easiest way to see what’s eating your money.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Michigan
This isn’t a loss. We made the move because we needed to. We wanted peace, space, and better opportunities for our kids, and moving to Michigan gave us that.
Yes, we spent almost $32k doing it. But money comes back. We’ll save again because we have to. And honestly? I’m excited to see how much we’re able to put away every month now that we’re settled.
If I can go from $35k to $3k, still need to buy a second car, homeschool, and juggle all the chaos and STILL map out a savings plan…so can you.
This is my plan:
- Savings challenges (starting small with $10)
- No spend months
- Cooking more at home
- Spending trackers
That’s my roadmap back to financial peace.
FAQ: Moving to Michigan
Is moving to Michigan expensive?
For us, yes. It cost nearly $32k including a car, apartment deposits, travel, and hidden expenses. Your costs may vary depending on where you move from and your housing situation.
What should you budget for when moving to Michigan?
Transportation, housing deposits, car costs, utilities, and unexpected expenses like furniture or registrations all add up fast.
Is Michigan family-friendly?
Absolutely. One of the main reasons we chose moving to Michigan was for the greenery, quiet neighborhoods, and affordable activities for kids.