With the shining Great Lakes, the sleeping Bear Dunes shores of the Lower Peninsula and the Hiawatha National Forest on the Upper Peninsula, there are many reasons why I love living in Michigan. If you are considering living in Michigan, when it comes to renting or buying a home, you may have the budget you want to stay. As of April, the median home sales in Michigan were $249,100.
Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget. We have options that will help you find a home or apartment to do so. Redfin collects a list of 11 of the most affordable homes in Michigan, all of which have a median home sale price of less than $249,100. From Detroit to Kalamazoo, jump in and see the cities on your list.
#1: Flint
Median home price: $50,000
Average selling price per square foot: $54
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $999
Median household income: $35,451
Flint, Michigan home sale
Flint, Michigan Apartments
Flint takes the first place on the list of affordable locations to live in Michigan. The median home selling price is just $50,000, nearly $2,000 above the state average. The city is home to approximately 79,600 residents and features attractions such as the Flint Museum of Art + Art School, the Sloan Discovery Museum and the Flint Farmers Market. You can also explore one of the charming downtown areas and one of the city’s green spaces, including Chevrolet Commons County Park and Former Nature Preserve & Arboretum.
#2: Detroit
Median home price: $87,500
Average selling price per square foot: $74
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,687
Median household income: $32,498
Homes in Detroit, Michigan
Apartments for Detroit, Michigan Apartments
The median home selling price is $87,500, and Detroit is the second city on our list. Detroit has around 639,100 residents and is known for its many things, from Motown and the history of automobiles to Detroit-style pizza and professional sports teams. If you are considering moving to this city, take a tour of the Motown Museum. Visit the Henry Ford Museum of America Innovation, stroll along the Detroit River Walk and explore Bell Isle Park.
>>Read: Popular Detroit, Michigan, Neighborhoods for 2025
#3: Pontiac
Median home price: $125,500
Average selling price per square foot: $135
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $915
Median household income: $34,673
Nearest Major Metro: Detroit (28 miles)
Pontiac, Michigan home sale
Apartments for Pontiac, Michigan Apartments
Pontiac is a recognizable city in Michigan, with median home sales prices around $125,000 less than the state average. With around 61,600 people living there, Pontiac is the perfect place to consider buying a home this year. There are many activities in the city just north of Detroit. Check out Pontiac’s downtown, watch races at the M1 concourse, visit one of the parks like Hawthorn Park, and see many other local favorites.
#4: Lance
Median home price: $139,900
Average selling price per square foot: $113
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,247
Median household income: $44,233
Nearest Major Metro: Ann Arbor (65 miles)
House sales in Lansing, Michigan
Apartments for Lansing, Michigan Apartments
Lansing is number four in Michigan on the list of affordable cities. If you live in the city of 112,600, you can visit the Michigan State Capitol buildings and museums such as the Re Olds Transportation Museum and the Michigan History Center. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to do, including exploring Crego Park and strolling along the Lansing River Trail.
#5: Battle Creek
Median home price: $150,000
Average selling price per square foot: $118
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $902
Median household income: $44,233
Nearest Major Metro: Lansing (50 miles)
Houses in Battle Creek, Michigan
Battle Creek, Michigan Apartments Rental
Battle Creek City is slightly more expensive than Lansing. With a population of nearly 52,700, there is still much work to do in this medium-sized city. Plan to visit green spaces such as the Leila Arboretum Society, Woodland Park and Nature Preserve. You can also watch live events at Kellogg Arena or explore the town’s shops and restaurants.
#6: Taylor
Median home price: $182,500
Average selling price per square foot: $157
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $975
Median household income: $52,872
Nearest Major Metro: Detroit (18 miles)
Home for Sale in Taylor, Michigan
Apartments for Taylor, Michigan Apartments
Around 63,400 people live in Taylor, located southwest of Detroit. The median home sales price is $182,500, about $70,000 less than the median home sales in Michigan. If you are moving to the third most affordable city, make sure to visit Heritage Park.
#7: Warren
Median home price: $185,000
Average selling price per square foot: $150
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $947
Median household income: $51,796
Nearest Major Metro: Detroit (20 miles)
Michigan Warren Home for Sale
Warren Apartments, Michigan Rental
If you’ve lived in Michigan for a while, you may know Warren. Almost 139,400 residents call this affordable city home, located just north of Detroit. Once you move to Warren, spend the day in one of the many parks, go shopping, or dine at a local restaurant.
#8: Dearborn Heights
Median home price: $188,250
Average selling price per square foot: $171
Median household income: $50,987
Nearest Major Metro: Detroit (15 miles)
Dearborn Heights, Mi Homes For Sale
Dearborn Heights, Michigan Apartments
With a population of around 63,300 people, Dearborn Heights has plenty to offer if you’re looking to live in Michigan. It’s only 15 miles from Detroit, so you’ll always find something new. Fun activities in Dearborn Heights include playing golf on one of the courses or dining at a local restaurant.
#9: Kalamazoo
Median home price: $198,500
Average selling price per square foot: $135
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,165
Median household income: $43,222
Nearest Major Metro: Grand Rapids (50 miles)
Kalamazoo, Michigan home sale
Kalamazoo, Michigan Apartments
Kalamazoo is ranked 9th on the list of affordable locations in Michigan. With a population of 73,600, living in Kalamazoo is a great option for those looking for a medium-sized city. Don’t miss exploring the downtown area where you can find concert venues, museums, local shops and great restaurants. You can also spend time strolling through the vast Lake Indestruction Reserve and checking out Spring Valley Park when you travel to the city.
#10: Westland
Median home price: $208,000
Average selling price per square foot: $168
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,001
Median household income: $44,233
Nearest Major Metro: Detroit (30 miles)
Westland Michigan Home for Sale
Westland, Michigan apartments for rent
Another great area to add to the list is Westland. With 85,400 people living in this affordable town, Westland is a great option to consider when considering living in Michigan without paying premiums for a home in a big city. Living in Westland you can explore the Bunkin Mills Recreation Area, find several trails and stop by Central City Park.
#11: Southfield
Median home price: $231,000
Average selling price per square foot: $153
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,132
Median household income: $58,076
Nearest Major Metro: Detroit (15 miles)
Home for Sale in Southfield, Michigan
Southfield, Michigan Apartments
The 11th final spot is Southfield, one of the affordable locations in Michigan. The city has a population of 76,600 and offers access to parks and nature reserves, including Beach Woods Park, Bauerbick Woods Park and golf on one of the courses. While living in Southfield, there is a lot to do in the afternoons and weekends.
Methodology: Every city needs more than 50,000 residents per US census, and must have a median home selling price under the average Michigan median home selling price. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.
