RentData

Average Rent in Flint, MI↓ Rents falling 7.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 404,087

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Flint, MI has rental prices ranging from $691/month to $1,397/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $806/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,673/year, spending $806/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Flint Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $986/month, Flint ranks #29 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Michigan — pricier than 62% of all US cities in our data.

The Flint Rental Market

The Flint, MI area has a population of about 404,087 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Flint, MI have fallen by $75/month (7.1%) over the past year, from $1,061 to $986. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Flint, MI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,240. The local median household income of $60,673 exceeds that threshold by $28,433, making Flint relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Flint, MI is $66,502, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 5.6. At this ratio, buyers who plan to stay 6 or more years may find purchasing more cost-effective than renting at current market prices.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Flint's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Columbia Heights ($25,091 median home value), Northend Recreation Center ($28,658 median home value), Civic Park ($29,358 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$691
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$806
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$986
↓7.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,215
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,397
Affordable
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Median Home Value
$66,502
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$354/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Flint, MI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$39,440/year
Local median income: $60,673
To buy a median home
$14,158/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $986/month and 20% down on a $66,502 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Detroit$991$1,090$1,378$1,688—
Livingston County$968$1,216$1,411$1,972—
Ionia County$806$896$1,175$1,429—
Holland$953$1,197$1,363$1,750—
Grand Rapids$1,163$1,209$1,443$1,880—
Shiawassee County$714$719$943$1,264—

Rent or Buy in Flint?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Flint data

$
Home Value
$66,502
2BR Rent
$986/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$354/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $490/movs rent: $986/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $66,502 home at 7% rate

20% — $13,300
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$354
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$53,202
Total Paid
$127,423
Total Interest
$74,221
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Flint

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Flint

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Flint

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Flint

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MI

See how Flint ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Flint

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections