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City Report · MI

Lansing

Pop. 113,023·80th most expensive in Michigan·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,230/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.7%
Month-over-Month
+0.9%
vs US Median
-$735
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lansing · $1,230
More affordable than 91% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Lansing's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,230/mo
Expected by trend
$1,259/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lansing's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$852
1 BR
$887
2 BR
$1,103
3 BR
$1,437
4 BR+
$1,463
Research median
$1,103/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$14,760/yr
At $1,230/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.7% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lansing, MI is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
113,023
Median income
$54,382
Median age
33.7
Renters
46.2%
Age distribution
21.6%
30.7%
23.2%
13.6%
Under 1821.6%
18–3430.7%
35–5423.2%
55–6410.9%
65+13.6%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
53.9%
22.2%
12.9%
White53.9%
Black22.2%
Hispanic12.9%
Asian5.4%
Other5.6%
Education (25+)
25.2%
34.7%
30.2%
No HS diploma9.9%
HS diploma25.2%
Some college34.7%
Bachelor's+30.2%
Housing tenure
53.8%
46.2%
Owner53.8%
Renter46.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Lansing, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$908 → $1,230
up 35.5%
Income
$46,570 → $54,382
up 16.8%
Population
113,592 → 113,023
down 0.5%
Renter share
48.2% → 46.2%
-2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
28.7% → 30.2%
+1.5 pts
Median age
32.8 → 33.7
+0.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Lansing, MI has climbed from $908 to $1,230, a 35.5% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $46,570 in 2021 to $54,382 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 46.2% of households, compared with 48.2% five years ago. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Lansing, MI market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Lansing

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View Lansing rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Lansing on your salary?

At $1,230/mo, how Lansing rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lansing rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lansing

About renting in Lansing, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lansing is $1,230/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $852/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,103/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $887/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,437/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($54,382/yr), Lansing ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lansing an affordable city for renters?

Lansing is considered affordable for renters. At $1,230/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($54,382/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lansing falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Lansing?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $49,000/year (~$24/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,230/mo in Lansing. The local median household income is $54,382/yr, meaning the typical Lansing household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lansing?

Rent in Lansing has decreased 0.7% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Lansing neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Lansing are 48911 ($1,044/mo), 48915 ($1,081/mo), and 48906 ($1,212/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Lansing is $1,230/mo.

How does Lansing rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Lansing is one of the more affordable cities in Michigan for rent, ranking #80 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,230/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lansing?

Jackson is nearby and more affordable at $1,140/mo, which is $90 less than Lansing.

What percentage of Lansing residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 46.2% of Lansing households are renters, while 53.8% are owner-occupied. Lansing leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Lansing rent compare to the national average?

Lansing's median rent of $1,230/mo is $735 (37%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #80 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,230/mo, rent takes ~27% of Lansing's median household income ($54,382/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lansing 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Lansing affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lansing, MI

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