Average Rent in Grand Rapids, MI↑ Rents rising 5.4% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in MI

Grand Rapids, MI has rental prices ranging from $1,163/month to $2,057/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,209/month — 14% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $80,296/year, spending $1,209/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Grand Rapids Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,443/month, Grand Rapids ranks #2 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Michigan — pricier than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The Grand Rapids Rental Market

The Grand Rapids, MI area has a population of about 1,154,320 and 26% 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 Grand Rapids, MI have risen by $74/month (5.4%) over the past year, from $1,369 to $1,443. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids, MI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $48,360. The local median household income of $80,296 exceeds that threshold by $31,936, making Grand Rapids relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Grand Rapids, MI is $313,257, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 18.1. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Grand Rapids's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Roosevelt Park ($206,940 median home value), Madison Area ($210,113 median home value), Black Hills ($216,062 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.

Is Grand Rapids, MI Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Grand Rapids?

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

Living in Grand Rapids

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