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home | life in ann arbor | cost of living in ann arbor Cost of Living in Ann Arbor
HousingRent for Apartments or CondosThese figures are estimates only. To determine the actual rate, please contact the main office of the prospective housing complex. Example Monthly Rental Rates
Apartment/Condo Search SourcesSee the following Web sites:
Renter's InsuranceThese figures are intended only to provide you with a general idea of cost. The true cost of your renter's insurance is based on your address, the size of your unit and the building it resides in, contents in your apartment, and other various factors. In general, each individual living in the home or apartment must pay a premium excluding married individuals and their dependents. There are also deductibles for claims; deductibles are respective to your individual policy. Renter's insurance is not mandatory. Example Renters Insurance Rates (Yearly Rates)
Area Insurance AgenciesUse this Google Search link to view area insurance agencies. Utility Bill Rates (Gas and Electric)Total Monthly Average for 2009-2010: $50 - $160 USD (gas and electric combined) These figures may not be representative of your actual energy bill(s). For more exact billing information call your energy company with your home address. Source: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy/09winter/09winterappraisal.pdf (used Detroit data) In general, your energy bills will be higher in the winter and lower in the summer. This rule may not apply if you frequently use air conditioning in the summer time. Your energy bill is affected by levels of usage, number of residents, and the size of your apartment. Most apartment complexes require the resident to pay electric and gas, but will cover water and trash removal. Ask the representative about what utilities you are responsible for before you sign the lease for your apartment. FurnishingsYou may need to furnish your apartment when you come to live in the U.S. (i.e kitchenware, living room furniture, bedroom furniture, bathroom essentials, etc.) Following are some Web sites to help you determine what the potential cost of these brand new items might be (from cheapest to most expensive). These stores can ship or deliver your items to your place of residence for a fee.
There are other places you may be able to find the above furnishings (used, but considerably cheaper). In general, there is no option for delivery or shipping. Additionally, purchasing from Craigslist or Facebook is to purchase from individuals not a corporation. It is important never to send money without first having inspected the item you are purchasing; preferably you will exchange the money for the item at the same time. It is recommended that you consult an American friend or an ISSA if you feel that the person from which you are making the purchase might be questionable.
Internet and Cable Provider ServicesComcast is the only internet and cable tv provider in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. In order to more accurately determine services offered and their cost you must contact Comcast directly with your address information. You may also inquire about internet and cable packages by contacting Comcast directly. Note that Comcast promotes many of its services to first time customers at reduced rates for short periods of time (i.e., internet service at $29.99 for the first 6 months). Inquire about the regular monthly cost of cable and/or internet services before you sign any contract. Internet: $24.95-62.95 USD/month Health CareInsurance Premiums for 9/1/2011 - 8/31/2012
For further details see the International Center Health Insurance page. EntertainmentEstimated Costs
Entertainment Guides
Movie Theatres
Theatres (Plays)
Outdoor RecreationInformation on outdoor recreation opportunities and venues for the state of Michigan. (i.e., hiking, camping, boating, hunting, fishing, canoeing, etc.) Campsite Permit Fees: $12 USD (Rustic) to $90 USD (Cabin)
Michigan Travel and TourismPersonal NeedsToiletries, Clothing, FoodThe monthly costs will vary widely and is based on each person’s individual needs. You can use Google-Shopping to determine the potential cost of most items:
Grocery Stores and other Vendors
Child CareAverage Cost of Child CareThe average cost of child care centers in Washtenaw County (per week) is: ** Disclaimer: Please note that this is an estimate only. True cost can only be determined by directly contacting the child care facility you are considering.
Infant: $182.67 USD/week See the International Center Child Care page. Child Care Resources
TransportationCarCost of Gas : These are “per gallon” averages. The true cost can be found at your local gas station. See http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ Cost of a Car: (** estimates, individual prices may vary). See Kelly Blue Book Cost of Car Insurance: (** estimates, individual prices may vary) Average range: $100-$1,000 USD/month You will need your address, make and model of your car, and other personal information in order to get a quote on the cost of your insurance on-line. Any quote you get on-line will be an estimate only; you must call customer service and provide all the necessary information to get an exact quote for the cost of your insurance. If you are unable to provide the information needed to get a quote via the insurance company’s Web site please call their customer service line.
Basic Car MaintenanceReview this online resource Car Maintenance Checklist. Maintaining Your Car: This Power Point is part of a workshop put on by the International Center. For further information about this Power Point, or to attend this workshop, please refer to “events” on the International Center Web site or contact the IC main desk. Public TransitThis link also includes other forms of transportation: http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/life/transportation.html Discount AirfareThis list includes global and U.S.
Sales Tax and Bottle ReturnSales Tax: 6% on all purchases, excluding food purchased in the grocery store and other select items. Other Tax InformationSee International Center Tax Laws and Filing Requirements 10 cents given for bottle and can return. See Container Deposit Legislation for more information. Last reviewed: 04/12 |
