Cost of Living in East Lansing, MI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $845 (excluding rent), and $2,193 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,177 (excluding rent), and $4,025 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$13.19 $13.19

$12.17 $12.17

$25.36 $25.36

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$64.3 $64.3

$49.01 $49.01

$98 $98

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.05 $10.05

$8.54 $8.54

$12.46 $12.46

Cappuccino

$4.39 $4.39

$1.49 $1.49

$6.21 $6.21

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.84 $1.84

$2.93 $2.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.33 $1.33

$1.01 $1.01

$3.04 $3.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.05 $5.05

$3.03 $3.03

$12.1 $12.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.02 $5.02

$4.52 $4.52

$9.04 $9.04

Milk (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.68 $0.68

$1.36 $1.36

White Bread (500g)

$2.84 $2.84

$2.17 $2.17

$4.38 $4.38

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.2 $4.2

$2.26 $2.26

$11.34 $11.34

Eggs

$2.48 $2.48

$1.38 $1.38

$4.46 $4.46

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.33 $12.33

$5.5 $5.5

$35.1 $35.1

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.53 $11.53

$6.6 $6.6

$22.09 $22.09

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.31 $15.31

$8.86 $8.86

$19.91 $19.91

Apples (1kg)

$3.96 $3.96

$2.62 $2.62

$9.02 $9.02

Banana (1kg)

$1.77 $1.77

$1.18 $1.18

$4.3 $4.3

Oranges (1kg)

$3.26 $3.26

$2.15 $2.15

$10.77 $10.77

Tomato (1kg)

$3.66 $3.66

$2.11 $2.11

$6.47 $6.47

Potato (1kg)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.01 $1.01

$8.97 $8.97

Onion (1kg)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.11 $1.11

$6.64 $6.64

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.21 $2.21

$1.47 $1.47

$3.93 $3.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.15 $2.15

$1.48 $1.48

$4.95 $4.95

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.08 $10.08

$7.56 $7.56

$11.09 $11.09

Wine (Bottle)

$16.01 $16.01

$7.01 $7.01

$16.01 $16.01

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.53 $1.53

$2.79 $2.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.47 $1.47

$5.89 $5.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.28 $1.28

$2.05 $2.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$50.3 $50.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.44 $2.44

$9.74 $9.74

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.38 $1.38

$0.92 $0.92

$1.38 $1.38

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$39.96 $39.96

$20.98 $20.98

$39.96 $39.96

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.86 $0.86

$0.73 $0.73

$0.97 $0.97

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.5K $29.5K

$23.7K $23.7K

$36.5K $36.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.3K $25.3K

$24.8K $24.8K

$26K $26K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$179 $179

$112 $112

$306 $306

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$49.3 $49.3

$29.88 $29.88

$69.7 $69.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.3 $64.3

$60.9 $60.9

$100 $100

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.35 $36.35

$9.91 $9.91

$49.56 $49.56

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.98 $14.98

Cinema Ticket

$11.3 $11.3

$9.15 $9.15

$20.33 $20.33

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,494 $1,494

$306 $306

$3,565 $3,565

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$14K $14K

$8,851 $8,851

$19.2K $19.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$44.09 $44.09

$30.52 $30.52

$61.1 $61.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$37.09 $37.09

$24.72 $24.72

$49.45 $49.45

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.5 $68.5

$39.26 $39.26

$88.3 $88.3

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$65 $65

$39.37 $39.37

$118 $118

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,257 $1,257

$1,020 $1,020

$1,529 $1,529

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,064 $1,064

$898 $898

$1,297 $1,297

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,028 $2,028

$1,780 $1,780

$2,374 $2,374

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,625 $1,625

$1,500 $1,500

$1,700 $1,700

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,068 $2,068

$1,522 $1,522

$3,051 $3,051

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,592 $1,592

$1,498 $1,498

$1,671 $1,671

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,970 $5,970

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in East Lansing, MI - Frequently Asked Questions

East Lansing offers a balanced mix of value and convenience that often appeals to students, families, and remote workers in Midwest settings. Compared with larger metro areas, you’ll notice a calmer pace and a more predictable price range for basics like groceries, meals, and utilities, though premium areas near campus can lift housing costs. The blend of on-campus events, public services, and local businesses creates a practical living ecosystem. Cost of Living in East Lansing, MI, United States gives a snapshot of this mix: affordable options exist if you prioritize location and building type. Tip: Time your lodging search around the academic calendar to catch shorter-term leases and promotions.

Daily life in East Lansing tends to be practical and walkable, especially around MSU's core. In housing, you’ll find a mix of studios and larger apartments clustered near campus, with lease terms that can fit student, expat, or remote-worker timelines. Food options range from grocery stores to casual eateries and campus-driven vendors, making it easy to eat well on a budget. For transport, a reliable bus network, bike lanes, and walkable streets help you skip long drives. Errands cluster around the campus area and nearby shopping centers, so you can plan a single outing. East Lansing, MI, United States living cost is a handy frame for budgeting your week. Tip: Map out a single weekly route to save time.

Quality of life in East Lansing comes from balancing campus access with quieter residential pockets and seasonal routines. Use a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, groceries, transport, and leisure; set flexible targets and track with a notebook or app. Consider neighborhoods that balance proximity to MSU with green spaces and quieter evenings. Save on heating in winter by layering and using programmable thermostats, and on energy by sharing utilities in roommate setups. Seasonal events, farmers markets, and public libraries offer cost-effective social options. Tip: test a neighborhood at different times of day and seasons before signing a long-term lease.