Fraser, Michigan is a city in Macomb county. It has a population of about 14686, and the cost of living in Fraser, Michigan is about 13% lower than the national average.
It is a well-run city and a popular place for families looking to move to a small, quiet area with good schooling and suburban living. The pace is a lot slower than in the big cities, which is also ideal for those settling down in later life.
In this article we will explore the cost of living in Fraser, Michigan and list some essential tips to save money during the moving process.
Cost of Living in Fraser, Michigan
Average Rental Costs
The average monthly rental cost for an apartment is $779, and the average apartment size is 774 square feet. This is relatively good value for money when comparing the rental cost of living in Fraser, Michigan to other parts of the country.
The apartments vary depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the type of unit. The average size of 774 square feet is generally the size of a one-bedroom apartment, but in some cases you may encounter a larger studio, or a smaller two or three bedroom.
It is important to note that the older buildings will usually have bigger apartments, whereas newer developments might be built smaller. Consider your priorities, whether size or modernity is more of a requirement when looking at potential apartments.
Average Home Costs
The average cost of a home is about $179,567. The average housing cost of living in Fraser, Michigan, as well as the average rental cost, is 48% below the national average.
Costs will also vary depending on the size of the home, how old the property is, what maintenance and features needs to be fixed and renovated etc.
Average Utilities Costs
The utility costs of living in Fraser, Michigan are fairly low, averaging at around 6% below the national average.
The average energy bill comes in at around $156,76 per month. Keep in mind that this will vary according to the size of your property, as well as the number of people in your household.
The city experiences some of the coldest weather conditions in the country during winter, with temperatures dropping drastically low. This could mean that your energy bill will likely be much higher during the winter months.
Transport Costs
Considering that Fraser is a fairly small city, commuting is relatively short and the transport cost is budget-friendly.
Gas costs about $2.50 per gallon on average. With cars are a popular form of transport in Fraser due to the setup and size of the city.
Food and Grocery Costs
The cost of food and groceries in Fraser is about 4% above the national average,
A loaf of bread will typically cost around $3,47, and a gallon of milk is about $2,02.
While it may be ever so slightly higher than other cities, this is usually due to the cost of imported items and availability of stock.
As the grocery costs translate into increased restaurant costs, eating out will be a pricer option. If you look to save on food costs, you can limit the number of times you eat out and instead opt for home-cooked meals or ready meals from a grocery store.
Schools
Schools in Fraser are a big drawcard for families considering moving into the area. The public schools have a good reputation for a high standard of education, and good budgetary allocations.
The public schools in Fraser spend an average of about $12,914 on each student, which is slightly higher than the $12,383 national average. With public schooling being of high quality, there is no real need for private education, which saves you overall in the cost of living in Fraser, Michigan.
In terms of allocation and ratio, there are about 18.3 students per teacher. This might be slightly more than the national average of 16.8, but this is to be expected in a smaller city.
Clothing
Fraser has a large variety of clothing stores available to its residents. There are malls and shopping centres, with stores that cater to every budget.
These include outlet stores like T.J. Maxx, which sells branded clothing and accessories at discounted prices. Prices will vary according to the brand, so you could pay anywhere between $10 to $500 for a pair of jeans, depending on what label you are looking for.
There are also trendy chain retail stores like H&M and Old Navy, which are around the mid-range of clothing store prices. Expect to pay between $35 and $60 for a good winter jacket, or between $25 and $70 for a pair of jeans, in either of these stores.
A popular option for those looking for new threads in Fraser is The Clothes Exchange, which sells vintage/used womenswear at a reasonable price, saving you a good few bucks and contributing to sustainable fashion. The price will depend on factors such as how old the product is, its condition, the brand, and so on.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Fraser is costly, at a steep 15% above the national average. Less available medical professionals in the smaller city often contribute to higher prices for healthcare.
A typical doctor’s visit will set you back around $127,56, while a session in the dentist’s chair will cost about $109,57.
If you are looking for medical attention for your pet, a trip to the veterinarian will cost about $56,72.
To save on these prices, enquire about health insurance options. The monthly cost of insurance cover might be worth it, especially if you have a chronic illness or you are above the age of 50. You can also look into pet insurance options if your pet is older, or often ill.
Entertainment
While it might be a small city, there is plenty to keep residents in Fraser busy all year-round.
There are museums and theatres for the arts and culture lovers, as well as zoos and parks for those who enjoy being outdoors. Kids can enjoy fairs, and foodies have a host of restaurants and fast food joints to try out.
If you are looking to grab a coffee, there are a few Starbucks around. If you pop into a diner, such as Ram’s Horn in Fraser, expect to pay about $2,69 for a coffee.
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a popular attraction in Fraser, and with a tour priced at just $10 for adults and $5, it is a fun and affordable outing for the whole family.
For those who enjoy the nightlife, there are a host of bars and clubs to choose from. The price of a beer will vary according to the brand and location, but expect to pay about $6 for a draft at a bar like the Infinity Hall and Sidebar, or if you are looking for a bargain, you can pick up one of Paddy Whacks Pub’s $1,50 retro beers.
Salaries
The average household income of Fraser is $59,089, which is slightly lower than the $65,712 average in the United States. However, this is expected with the cost of living being significantly lower than the national average.
The salary you earn will be based on the job occupation you fulfil. The most common jobs in Fraser are office and administration positions, sales positions, and management positions.
There are currently over 7370 residents employed in Fraser, and the sectors in the city that employ the most people are healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing.
Money Saving Tips
Contact a Real Estate Agent
Finding a home to rent or buy is often an overwhelming experience, especially when it is done in a new state. Researching the housing market in a state that you are unfamiliar with can be tricky, as it often differs from state to state. To avoid this, contacting a real estate agent local to the area is imperative.
Scan the internet to find reputable real estate agencies, or independent agents, who have high ratings and all the necessary accreditations.
They can also inform you about various schemes that you can use to assist in your housing costs. For example, the The Step Forward Michigan Program was created to help homeowners in Michigan by giving them up to $30,000 in an interest-free loan to assist with expenses such as property tax, mortgage payments and other fees.
The last thing you want is to face unexpected obstacles during your move due to the finer print, and having an expert in that area will help to avoid this, and make your move as smooth as possible.
Plan for Winter Months
As mentioned, the winter months in Fraser are harsh. With snowy, windy, low-temperature conditions, you will expect to not only spend more time indoors but also use more energy by using heating systems.
This means that your energy bill will steeply increase your cost of living in Fraser, Michigan come winter. While you may have been paying a certain amount leading up to winter, your energy bill may double during the colder months, depending on the size and number of people living in your household.
Contact your energy provider to get an estimate of what you might have to pay during winter – they may be able to calculate this based on your usage or look at the usage of previous owners. Once you have the estimate, budget slightly over that amount (about 10%) to ensure that you are not met with any surprises when your bill is delivered.
Explore Rent to Own Options
Renting might seem like the most straightforward way to live, especially if you are single, a young family, or not able to afford a house, but sometimes it may not be the best option financially.
Enquire with your chosen real estate agent, or with property owners renting out their place, about any rent-to-own options. Some owners might be looking to sell off their property over time, and will charge you each month for a fixed lease for you to eventually own it at the end, so you are essentially paying off the house through your rent.
This is a great way to invest and plan towards owning your own house. Similarly, if you do have a stable income, consider the option of buying a house instead. Monthly payments on a house can sometimes be similar to the monthly rental fees, especially in a place like Fraser where housing costs are lower than the national average.
Conclusion
There is a reason so many people, especially families, opt to move to Fraser, Michigan.
It is a smaller city with excellent public schooling options and an easy commute. The big living costs, such as housing and transport, are generally lower than the national average which makes it an affordable place to live. While this is relative to the average salary, it still allows you to save more in the long-term, and makes owning a home a more realistic possibility.
The affordable cost of living in Fraser, Michigan is just half of it. Fraser has a more intimate community, where you know and can socialize with your neighbors and your family is in a safe and stable environment.
Those who are considering a move to Fraser in the future should consider working with a reputable local moving company in Fraser. Designed to Move can help you enjoy a stress free moving day and make sure all of your belongings arrive to your new home in a safe and efficient manner. Give us a call today or fill out an online contact form to request a complimentary quote for your upcoming move to or from the area.
