6 of the most affordable places to live in Michigan in 2025

Want to put down roots in the Mitten? Take a look at our roundup of some of the cheapest places to live in Michigan and discover your new hometown. 

Whether you’re a lifelong Michigander or a newcomer to the Mitten State, you might find yourself itching for a change—or just a little more change in your pocket. Luckily for you, there are plenty of affordable places to live in Michigan on an average salary, including locations where the cost of living is low but family-friendly attractions and community charm abound.

A 2025 report from RedFin lists 11 of Michigan’s most affordable cities, with Flint and Detroit unsurprisingly snagging the top two spots. In our roundup, we’ll highlight six other budget-friendly (but perhaps lesser-known) places to live in Michigan as determined by current median home prices and average monthly rent. Who knows? Perhaps a move is in your future!

1. Pontiac

Median home cost: $125,500

Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $915

Metro Detroiters have probably heard of Pontiac, but this suburb of the Motor City is full of hidden gems. The median home cost in Pontiac is just $125,500, well below the state median of $249,100. Auto enthusiasts will be excited to learn that Pontiac has a long history of involvement with the industry that gave Detroit its Motor City moniker: General Motors operations made up the bulk of Pontiac’s economy throughout the 20th century.

Today, visitors can pay homage to this history at the Pontiac Transportation Museum. If you put down roots here, you can attend concerts at the Crofoot, stroll the scenic grounds of Oak Hill Cemetery, head downtown for a drink or two at Fillmore 13 Brewery, or make the quick 30-minute drive into Detroit for a night on the town.

2. Lansing

Median home cost: $139,900

Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,247

Yes, there’s loads to love in adjacent East Lansing and on the campus of Michigan State University, but Lansing proper is also chock-full of reasons to consider calling it home. To own a house of your own in the state capital, you can expect a median price of $139,900.

Beyond its comparatively low cost of homebuying, Lansing offers attractions for everyone from history buffs to nature enthusiasts and just about everything in between. Admire the Capitol Rotunda, keep your kids entertained at Impression 5 Science Center, or make semi-annual trips to Potter Park Zoo. Eateries like Lansing Brewing Company or JJ’s Dog House might become your new favorite place to grab a meal, and pretty hiking spots in Lansing like Hawk Island Park will keep you moving amid the fresh air all year long.

3. Taylor

Median home cost: $182,500

Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $975

Taylor might not be the most famous city in the Great Lakes State, but it’s got plenty to love—and with a median home price of only $182,500, it makes for an affordable spot to live. Taylor offers a real community feel within driving distance of Detroit, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate Southeast Michigan but aren’t keen on city living.

Parks, shopping, and recreation abound, with Heritage Park serving as a fun attraction for all ages. Kids will want to visit the park’s petting zoo over and over again, while grown-ups will enjoy the whimsical on-site conservatory and botanical garden. Get your fix of German food and beer at Bierkeller Tavern or immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere at Taylor Community Library, which hosts events for all ages throughout the week.

4. Kalamazoo

Median home cost: $198,500

Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,165

Kalamazoo might just be one of the most underrated cities in Michigan (though people who love it really love it), but with an appealing median home price of $198,500, it won’t stay that way for long. Most of us know Kalamazoo as the home of Western Michigan University and the smaller Kalamazoo College, but these academic institutions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes K-Zoo worth considering as a place to live.

From its Institute of Arts to its Miller Auditorium, the city boasts countless opportunities to engage with arts and culture. Beer fans will love living in the birthplace of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, a true Michigan classic. And if you’re raising a family, it’s hard to beat the Kalamazoo Promise: a declaration from a group of anonymous donors that all graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools who meet academic requirements will have up to 100% of their tuition covered at any public college in Michigan.

5. Westland

Median home cost: $208,000

Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,001

Don’t let its proximity to a major metropolis fool you: Westland is home to parks and green space galore, making it a great spot to settle down for nature enthusiasts. The city, which has a median home price of $208,000, offers plenty of fresh air and activities for the whole family.

You’ll enjoy the playgrounds and picnic areas at Central City Park, the splash pad at Tattan Park on hot summer days, and the magnificent holiday lights display at Hines Park come wintertime. Beyond its parks, Westland has loads of community activities—you’ll fill your days with visits to the farmers’ market, productions at Inspire Theatre, or playtime with your four-legged family member at the Westland Rotary Canine Corral dog park.

6. Southfield

Median home cost: $231,000

Average one-bedroom apartment rent: $1,132

As yet another city on the outskirts of Detroit, it might be easy to write off Southfield as just a suburban sprawl. But this community, where the average home price is $231,000, has character all its own.

When you move into your new digs in Southfield, you’ll have easy access to outdoor treasures like Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve and the manmade delights of the beautifully designed Southfield Public Library. Inspire your artistic side at Park West Gallery or golf your worries away at Evergreen Hills golf course. And, like several of our other affordable selections, Southfield offers quick and convenient access to the many wonders of the Motor City.