Region guide
Moving to the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes states — Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota — are the country's value belt: reachable home prices, big-city amenities in Chicago and Minneapolis, and cold, snowy winters. Steady costs, freshwater everywhere, and low natural-disaster risk.
Cities covered
13
States
6
Median rent
$1,180/mo
Median est. cost
$3,428/mo
Standouts in the Great Lakes
Cheapest
Toledo, OH
$3,089/mo
Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.
Best overall
Columbus, OH
Fit 78
Highest default Fit Score across the region.
Safest
Fort Wayne, IN
Safety 73
Lowest violent and property crime per capita.
Best for jobs
Madison, WI
Jobs 84
Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).
Sunniest
Minneapolis, MN
198 sunny days
Most sunny days per year.