How Our Expenses Changed from Michigan to California
We moved from Michigan to California at the end of 2020. Since we diligently keep track of our spending, we have a pretty good picture of how our expenses changed after moving from Southeastern Michigan to the East-bay in California. Granted that in the 2 years since 2020, we have seen record levels of inflation, the comparison will still reveal to anyone who is looking to move to the Bay Area (specifically the East Bay) from the Mid-West approximately how much more you will have to pay for yearly expenses ranging from grocery and housing costs, to commute and dining costs.
Each section will be dedicated to a specific expense group:
- Housing and Utilities
- Groceries
- Restaurants
- Car Insurance
- Discretionary and Household Shopping
- Commute
Housing and Utilities
This section will cover the costs for mortgage or rent, as well as utilities such as electricity, water, and internet. Here were our yearly expenditures in Michigan versus Northern California’s East Bay:
| Total Yearly Housing Expenses | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $19,048 ($1,587 per month) | $63,216 ($5,268 per month) |
Groceries
This section contains costs for groceries excluding any expenses from restaurants. Keep in mind these expenses are for two people.
| Total Yearly Grocery Expenses | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $5,497($458 per month) | $8,377 ($698 per month) |
Restaurants
This section contains the costs for any food we at restaurants (i.e. dining out). Again, these expenses are for two people.
| Total Yearly Restaurant Expenses | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $2,817 ($234 per month) | $8,489 ($707 per month) |
Car Insurance
This section contains the costs for insuring 2 vehicles.
| Total Yearly Car Insurance Expense | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $1,834 ($152 per month) | $1447 ($120 per month) |
Discretionary and Household Shopping
This section contains the costs for buying anything from clothing, makeup, cleaning supplies, electronics, gifts, cosmetics, movie tickets, furniture, and some regrettable TIWUs (“Things I Won’t Use”). This doesn’t include food or dining. Again, this is for two people.
| Total Yearly Discretionary and Household Expenses | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $7,910 ($659 per month) | $23,490 ($1,957 per month) |
Commuting
This section includes gas and toll fees for two people.
| Total Yearly Commute Expense | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $952 ($79 per month) | $2,823 ($235 per month) |
Final Comparison
| Total Yearly Expenses | |
| 2020-2021 Michigan | 2021-2022 California |
| $38,058 ($3,171 per month) | $107,842 ($8,986 per month) |