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City Report · MI

Ann Arbor

Pop. 122,036·9th most expensive in Michigan·Ann Arbor rents have dropped 15.3%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$2,133/mo
Year-over-Year
-15.3%
Month-over-Month
-1.2%
vs US Median
+$171
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Ann Arbor · $2,133
More expensive than 66% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
75/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Ann Arbor's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,133/mo
Expected by trend
$2,435/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Ann Arbor's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,493
1 BR
$1,513
2 BR
$1,805
3 BR
$2,175
4 BR+
$2,395
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,805/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,133 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$25,596/yr
At $2,133/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 15.3% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-15.3% YoY, -1.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Ann Arbor, MI is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, 77.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
122,036
Median income
$82,212
Median age
27.7
Renters
54.5%
Age distribution
12.4%
48.6%
18.1%
12.9%
Under 1812.4%
18–3448.6%
35–5418.1%
55–647.9%
65+12.9%
Gender
49.7%
50.3%
Male49.7%
Female50.3%
Race & ethnicity
68.2%
15.6%
White68.2%
Black6.6%
Hispanic5.5%
Asian15.6%
Other4.1%
Education (25+)
13.1%
77.9%
No HS diploma2.1%
HS diploma6.9%
Some college13.1%
Bachelor's+77.9%
Housing tenure
45.5%
54.5%
Owner45.5%
Renter54.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Ann Arbor, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,895 → $2,133
up 12.6%
Income
$73,276 → $82,212
up 12.2%
Population
122,731 → 122,036
down 0.6%
Renter share
54.5% → 54.5%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
77.2% → 77.9%
+0.7 pts

Rent in Ann Arbor, MI has increased 12.6% since 2021, going from about $1,895 per month to roughly $2,133 today. On the earnings side, the typical household in Ann Arbor, MI now reports about $82,212, up from $73,276 in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Ann Arbor, MI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Ann Arbor rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Ann Arbor on your salary?

At $2,133/mo, how Ann Arbor rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Ann Arbor rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Ann Arbor. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Ann Arbor

About renting in Ann Arbor, MI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Ann Arbor is $2,133/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,493/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,805/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,513/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,175/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($82,212/yr), Ann Arbor ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 15.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Ann Arbor an affordable city for renters?

Ann Arbor is considered moderate for renters. At $2,133/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($82,212/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Ann Arbor slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Ann Arbor?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $85,000/year (~$41/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,133/mo in Ann Arbor. The local median household income is $82,212/yr, meaning the typical Ann Arbor household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Ann Arbor?

Rent in Ann Arbor has decreased 15.3% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Ann Arbor neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Ann Arbor are 48108 ($1,729/mo), 48103 ($2,072/mo), and 48104 ($2,241/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Ann Arbor is $2,133/mo.

How does Ann Arbor rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Ann Arbor is one of the pricier cities in Michigan for rent, ranking #9 out of 96 tracked cities at $2,133/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Ann Arbor?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Ann Arbor ($2,133/mo): Ypsilanti ($1,371/mo), Plymouth ($1,851/mo), Superior ($1,954/mo).

What percentage of Ann Arbor residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 54.5% of Ann Arbor households are renters, while 45.5% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Ann Arbor has a strong rental market.

How does Ann Arbor rent compare to the national average?

Ann Arbor's median rent of $2,133/mo is $171 (9%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #9 out of 96 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $2,133/mo, rent takes ~31% of Ann Arbor's median household income ($82,212/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Ann Arbor 31%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Ann Arbor affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Ann Arbor, MI

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