Uprootmap
Chicago vs Muskegon
Chicago and Muskegon
Photo: bigmikesndtech / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Muskegon are above the US rate in this release, 8.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Chicago to Muskegon
In 2022-2023, 25 households filed a move from Chicago to Muskegon (about 36 people, average adjusted gross income $63,280). 52 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,007 in Muskegon. Chicago has a state tax on wages. Muskegon has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Muskegon is 85% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Chicago.
Muskegon averages 177 sunny days, with July highs around 76°F and January nights around 27°F. Chicago is 189 sunny days, 84°F in July, 20°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Muskegon and 33 in Chicago.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 25 households moved Chicago → Muskegon (about 36 people, average AGI $63,280). 52 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Chicago and Muskegon changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 163 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,700–$3,200
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,150
- Rent a truck
- $450–$800
Explore more
Dig into Muskegon
Questions
Is Muskegon cheaper than Chicago after tax and rent?
Yes. Muskegon leaves about $671 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,007 in Muskegon.
Does Muskegon have state income tax?
Muskegon is in Michigan, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from Chicago to Muskegon?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.