Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Ann Arbor, MI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 43.8% of gross income.
Ann Arbor rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Michigan state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Michigan cities have lower median rent than Ann Arbor, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Ann Arbor
View full rent data for Ann Arbor, MI →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Ann Arbor, MI?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $2,133 a month. A typical carpenter in Michigan earns about $58,502 a year, which makes that rent 43.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Ann Arbor?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Michigan (~$58,502/yr) supports up to $1,463 a month in rent. Ann Arbor's current median rent is $2,133/mo, which is $670/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Ann Arbor?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a carpenter in Michigan works roughly 75.8 hours a month to cover Ann Arbor's median rent of $2,133.
Where is rent cheaper than Ann Arbor for a carpenter?
Nearby Michigan cities with lower median rent include Berkley ($2,131/mo), Royal Oak ($2,128/mo), Macomb ($2,126/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.