Rent is lower than in 66% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $53,960 a year. That is $26 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Michigan cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Michigan. It is number 95 of 179 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Midland?
Share of households by yearly income. 26.7% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Midland
| Size | Midland | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $868 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $916 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,191 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,320 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,881 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Midland overall?
Everyday prices in the Midland metro area are 8% below the U.S. average (index 91.9, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Midland
Life in Midland
What jobs pay in Midland
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $147,830 | 11.0% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,860 | 12.5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $102,840 | 15.7% |
| Operations Manager | $98,270 | 16.5% |
| Civil Engineer | $96,730 | 16.7% |
| Accountant | $91,790 | 17.6% |
| Registered Nurse | $86,360 | 18.7% |
| Software Developer | $83,730 | 19.3% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,160 | 19.7% |
| Police Officer | $75,370 | 21.5% |
| Market Research Analyst | $71,490 | 22.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,100 | 25.3% |
| Plumber | $63,930 | 25.3% |
| Carpenter | $63,380 | 25.5% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,540 | 26.3% |
| HVAC Technician | $56,490 | 28.7% |
| Firefighter | $52,800 | 30.7% |
| Electrician | $51,310 | 31.5% |
| Truck Driver | $49,380 | 32.8% |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,250 | 33.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $39,360 | 41.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,340 | 41.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,750 | 42.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $37,600 | 43.1% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,540 | 44.3% |
| Retail Salesperson | $33,260 | 48.7% |
| Cashier | $30,280 | 53.5% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Midland?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $66 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $203,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $20,390 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Midland, MI?
Renting in Midland costs a median of about $1,349 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Michigan median is $1,314.
How much do I need to make to live in Midland?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $53,960 a year, or $26 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Midland cheap or expensive?
Midland is rated OK: rent takes 20.5% of the typical household income of $79,081. It ranks 95th cheapest of 179 Michigan cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Midland?
The median homeowner in Midland pays $3,257 a year in property taxes, about 1.60% of the median home value.
Is Midland more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 8% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Midland?
The median home value in Midland is $203,900, about 2.6 times the typical yearly household income.
42,724 people live in Midland. Numbers are typical (middle) values.