Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $752 in Michigan versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 44% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $39,575 in Michigan and $83,857 in Washington — about 53% higher in Washington. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
None
+4.3 pp in Michigan
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$752
$1,332
+77% in Washington
Median Home Value
$76,800
$454,600
+492% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$39,575
$83,857
+112% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.3°F
52.1°F
+1.8°F in Washington
Michigan vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Washington?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $752 runs about 44% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $30,000 a year in Michigan versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Washington?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Michigan/Washington — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.