Cheapest Places to Live in Michigan (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Michigan? We ranked 27 Michigan cities by median home value. The cheapest is Detroit (~$88,000); the Michigan median is $251,000.
Most affordable cities in Michigan
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detroit | $88,000 | $97 |
| 2 | Flint | $100,000 | $72 |
| 3 | Pontiac | $141,000 | $142 |
| 4 | Saginaw | $144,000 | $113 |
| 5 | Lansing | $171,000 | $122 |
| 6 | Jackson | $173,000 | $133 |
| 7 | Burton | $188,000 | $144 |
| 8 | Battle Creek | $209,000 | $145 |
| 9 | Warren | $228,000 | $168 |
| 10 | Saint Clair Shores | $234,000 | $181 |
Most expensive cities in Michigan
The priciest Michigan markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bloomfield Hills | $743,000 | $292 |
| 2 | Ann Arbor | $550,000 | $274 |
| 3 | Troy | $480,500 | $243 |
| 4 | Traverse City | $444,000 | $315 |
| 5 | Shelby Township | $425,000 | $206 |
| 6 | Novi | $410,000 | $245 |
| 7 | Kentwood | $370,000 | $213 |
| 8 | Farmington Hills | $362,000 | $203 |
| 9 | Livonia | $333,000 | $228 |
| 10 | Sterling Heights | $313,000 | $200 |
How we rank Michigan cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Michigan home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Michigan affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Michigan? +
Based on median home value, Detroit is among the most affordable cities in Michigan, with a typical home around $88,000 — well below the Michigan median of $251,000.
What is the most expensive city in Michigan? +
By median home value, Bloomfield Hills is among the priciest in Michigan, with a typical home around $743,000.
Is Michigan an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Michigan is about $251,000 (15% more affordable than the U.S. median of $294,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $88,000 to $743,000.