City Report · MI

Saint Clair Shores

·42nd most expensive in Michigan·Saint Clair Shores rents have dropped 8.1%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,591/mo
Year-over-Year
-8.1%
Month-over-Month
+1.3%
vs US Median
-$371
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Saint Clair Shores · $1,591
More affordable than 70% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
72/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Saint Clair Shores's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,591/mo
Expected by trend
$1,789/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Saint Clair Shores's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$960
1 BR
$1,050
2 BR
$1,330
3 BR
$1,630
4 BR+
$1,760
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,330/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,591 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
$19,092/yr
At $1,591/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 8.1% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-8.1% YoY, +1.3% MoM), not inventory.
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2023 vs 2026

How Saint Clair Shores, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,445 → $1,591
up 10.1%

Five years ago, renters in Saint Clair Shores, MI paid around $1,445 a month. That figure now sits near $1,591, up 10.1% from the 2023 baseline. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

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View Saint Clair Shores rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Saint Clair Shores on your salary?

At $1,591/mo, how Saint Clair Shores rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Saint Clair Shores rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Saint Clair Shores. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Saint Clair Shores

About renting in Saint Clair Shores, MI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Saint Clair Shores is $1,591/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $960/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,330/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,050/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,630/mo.

At 27% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Saint Clair Shores ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Clair Shores an affordable city for renters?

Saint Clair Shores is considered affordable for renters. At $1,591/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Saint Clair Shores falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Saint Clair Shores?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $64,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,591/mo in Saint Clair Shores.

Is rent going up or down in Saint Clair Shores?

Rent in Saint Clair Shores has decreased 8.1% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Saint Clair Shores rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Saint Clair Shores is middle-of-the-pack for Michigan for rent, ranking #42 out of 96 tracked cities at $1,591/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Saint Clair Shores?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Saint Clair Shores ($1,591/mo): Roseville ($1,278/mo), Fraser ($1,400/mo), Eastpointe ($1,415/mo).

How does Saint Clair Shores rent compare to the national average?

Saint Clair Shores's median rent of $1,591/mo is $371 (19%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #42 out of 96 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,591/mo, rent takes ~27% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Saint Clair Shores 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Saint Clair Shores affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Saint Clair Shores, MI

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