The 7 Most Beautiful Places to Live In Michigan That Are Affordable

The beautiful state of Michigan has plenty of appeal by itself to bring residents to its gates — the nature, recreation, industry, and activities are hard to match with similar weather and sports teams. Some homeowners and renters, however, want to live somewhere strikingly beautiful and affordable, which shrinks the pool of available places to live considerably — especially after the pandemic.

Not to worry, though. Michigan still has plenty of cities and towns with costs of living well under the national average that remain affordable, beautiful, and fun.

Discover the seven most beautiful places to live in Michigan that are still affordable, as outlined by recent statistics and local real estate expert Chenise Hinds — an interior designer, home stager, licensed realtor, and senior contributor at Momooze.

“As a realtor and native Michigander, I’ve had the pleasure of living in and exploring many beautiful cities across the state,” said Hinds. “In my experience, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Benton Harbor, and Lansing are amongst the most naturally stunning.”

Kalamazoo

Affordability: 21% lower cost of living than the national average.

The county of Kalamazoo, Michigan provides all the greenery you’ll need for a morning hike with the exciting dichotomy of a glamorous, eclectic downtown for afternoon activities. After all, not many places can say they made it onto the list of the Best Places to Live in Michigan in 2023 and 2024.

Kalamazoo has just under 75,000 residents and offers an urban/suburban feel to those who move there. You’ll find great schools, delicious restaurants, varied nightlife, wonder-inducing museums, and a young professional environment.

The median home value is around $125,000 and the median rent hovers at $870 a month.

Albion

Affordability: 17.5% lower cost of living than the national average.

The city of Albion in Michigan remains a beautiful, diverse, and culturally rich place to live. The Albion River Trail and Whitehouse Nature Center place the environment of the town in the spotlight, providing its 8,000 residents with exciting alternatives when they’ve had their fill of Albion’s many community parks. The town also has shopping, a Farmer’s Market, and a children’s museum.

The median home value is around $66,000 and the median rent hovers at $730 a month.

Muskegon

Affordability: 15.9% lower cost of living than the national average.

Abutting the harbor of Lake Michigan, 38,000-resident-strong Muskegon has the natural beauty to rival the most expensive lakeside communities at a fraction of the price. Complete with rich history, a rocky, miles-long coastline, and boundless outdoor recreational opportunities, Muskegon ranks as one of Michigan’s top most affordable, beautiful places to live in 2024.

“Muskegon is a beach lover’s dream. The stunning Lake Michigan shoreline seems endless there,” said Hinds. “The soft sand beaches and rolling dunes create a peaceful, beautiful setting. It’s a fantastic place to live if you enjoy water activities and beachcombing.”

Between the schools and the 30 public parks, Muskegon residents and children can enjoy the town’s massive sports facilities and boating activities when they’re not going downtown for a movie, performance, or art show.

The median home value is around $85,000 and the median rent hovers at $780 a month.

Benton Harbor

Affordability: 11% lower cost of living than the national average.

Benton Harbor’s small, 10,000-resident town sits on the shores of Lake Michigan close to Kalamazoo and offers dozens of outdoor recreational activities like golf and various water sports. As a burgeoning town, the arts and restaurant districts have also gained steam — several new breweries have opened to suit the variety of palates of the young professionals and families moving to the area.

“Benton Harbor has an adorable downtown right along the shores of Lake Michigan,” Hinds mentioned. “The harbor creates a quaint, nautical vibe while the adjacent beach park is perfect for picnics and sunsets. The lush greenery contrasts beautifully with the blue water.”

The median home value is around $61,000 and the median rent hovers at $730 a month.

Lansing

Affordability: 9% lower cost of living than the national average.

Urban beauty abounds in Lansing, the affordable capital city of Michigan. Its 113,000 residents agree, too, because the city made the list of the 30 cities with the lowest cost of living in America. It’s also culturally and environmentally diverse — catering to a blend of families, palates, and activity levels. The city has dozens of great dining options, outdoor recreation, activities like zoos and sporting events, and a reliable school system that prepares students for future careers.

“In Lansing, the Grand River and the many parks, like Potter Park and Riverfront Park, add incredible natural beauty to the city. The riverwalk allows you to immerse yourself in nature right in the heart of downtown. The parks provide access to trails, gardens, and scenic views,” said Hinds.

The median home value is around $95,000 and the median rent hovers at $890 a month.

Marquette

Affordability: 7% lower cost of living than the national average.

On the shores of Lake Superior sit Michigan’s most beautiful, largest city in its upper peninsula. The 20,000-resident city of Marquette is known for its outdoor adventures and recreation options including boating, skiing, hiking, and more. It’s hard to find a more beautiful setting than Marquette’s many hiking and biking trails, snow-capped mountains, and dense hardwood forests.

During the winter, skiing and snowshoeing take center stage when it comes to outdoor recreation. When the day is done, though, immerse yourself in the cozy and historic beauty of suburban downtown, where you can grab a beer from a local brewery or a unique plate of tapas from one of the many boutique restaurants.

The median home value is around $192,000 and the median rent hovers at $860 a month.

Grand Rapids

Affordability: 4% lower cost of living than the national average.

Grand Rapids has a truly magical feel to it in the winter — whether you’re ice skating outside at a rink, taking in a local drink at the igloo spots, or sledding down the snowy side of a mountain. It doesn’t need to be cold to enjoy Grand Rapids, though. The bustling city of 200,000 delights its residents with outdoor recreation opportunities like snow biking, breweries with next-level dishes, and unique shopping and dining packages that let you experience all that the city has to offer.

“Grand Rapids’ downtown is simply lovely,” asserted Hinds. “The Grand River that runs through it adds so much vibrancy. You can walk along the riverbanks downtown while appreciating the charming skyline. The many parks also provide an urban escape into nature.”

The median home value is around $169,000 and the median rent hovers at $1,000 a month.

A Great View in Michigan Doesn’t Have to Cost an Arm and a Leg

Based on the options listed above, several beautiful places in Michigan still exist that are affordable to live in. Whether you want to buy a home or rent an apartment, Michigan has an option for you in rural, suburban, and urban settings.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com