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Before You Move

tip

It is good to have at least 3 to 6 months of living expenses saved before moving.

Moving to Michigan is expensive.

While the cost of living is generally below the national average, you need enough funds to cover relocation and initial living expenses until your first paycheck.

You need enough money for…​

The Rental Security Deposit​

Quickly estimate your MAXIMUM security deposit:

$
× 1.5 =

The first month of rent​

  • You must pay it by bank transfer before you move in.

Your living expenses​

  • You must buy food and things for your apartment.
  • You might also need to buy furniture and appliances.
  • If you find a furnished apartment it comes with mostly everything you need.

Your health insurance​

  • All Michigan residents must have health insurance.
  • Use my health insurance calculator to estimate the cost.

Your relocation expenses​

  • If you come from another country, you might need to buy plane tickets, or stay in a hotel for a few days.
  • Relocation and moving expenses are tax-deductible.
  • Save the receipts for your tax declaration.
info

Your employer might offer a relocation bonus to cover your relocation expenses. You usually get it after you start working, so you still need savings.

Winter clothes​

Michigan winters are cold, snowy, and windy.

If you come from a warm climate, you must buy winter clothes before you arrive or immediately after arriving.

warning

You need winter clothes: a warm jacket, boots, gloves, and a hat.

Find a job​

Michigan has a diverse economy beyond the automotive industry, including tech (especially around Ann Arbor/Detroit), manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education.

Job Boards​

Use national sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, and local ones specific to cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Lansing.

Networking​

Leverage university job fairs (U of M, MSU, Wayne State) and local professional associations.

Key Sectors​

Look for openings in automotive engineering, logistics, health systems (e.g., Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health), and banking/finance.

Finding a place to live​

The housing market varies greatly between regions.

Downtown Detroit/Ann Arbor is expensive; suburban areas and Grand Rapids are generally more affordable.

Utilize sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Realtor.com.

Security Deposits​

As noted, the maximum is 1.5× monthly rent. The landlord must provide an inventory checklist when you move in. You must provide a forwarding address in writing within 4 days of moving out to ensure the deposit is returned promptly (within 30 days).

Utilities​

You will need to contact providers (e.g., DTE Energy, Consumers Energy) to set up electricity and gas in your name.

Get health insurance​

Health insurance is critical in the US.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)​

  • Since moving is a Qualifying Life Event, you qualify for an SEP to buy a plan immediately through HealthCare.gov.
  • This is usually the best option if you don't have employer-provided insurance.

Medicaid (Healthy Michigan Plan)​

  • If your income is low, you may qualify for Michigan's Medicaid expansion program.
  • You can apply anytime via MI Bridges.

Employer Plan​

  • If you have a job, you will typically enroll during your employer's first 30-90 days of employment.

Apply for a Michigan ID / Driver's License​

As soon as you establish residency (usually defined as living here with intent to stay), you must update your vehicle and license records with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) office.

You will need documents to prove:​

  • Identity (Passport, Birth Certificate)

  • Legal Presence (Visa, Green Card, or U.S. Citizenship)

  • Michigan Residency (2 documents showing your name and new address, e.g., utility bills, bank statements, lease agreement)

  • Social Security Number (SSN Card or a Letter of Ineligibility from the SSA)

Visit an SOS Office​

Schedule an appointment online or visit a branch office.

Vision Test​

You must pass a vision screening.

Written/Road Tests​

If you are moving from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany, or South Korea, you may be exempt from the written knowledge and road skills tests. Otherwise, tests are required.

Vehicle Registration​

If you bring a vehicle from out of state or another country, you must:

Obtain Michigan Auto Insurance​

Michigan requires proof of insurance. It is a No-Fault state.

Transfer the Vehicle Title and obtain License Plates (Tabs) at the SOS office.​

References

1 https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-602

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