salaryRent is lower than in 75% 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 $48,640 a year. That is $23 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Michigan cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Michigan. It is number 68 of 179 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Pontiac?
Share of households by yearly income. 9.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Pontiac
| Size | Pontiac | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $363 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $946 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,238 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,480 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,600 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Pontiac overall?
Everyday prices in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area are same as the U.S. average (index 100.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Pontiac
Life in Pontiac
What jobs pay in Pontiac
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $137,770 | 10.6% |
| Lawyer | $134,980 | 10.8% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,390 | 10.9% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,830 | 11.1% |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | 11.2% |
| Operations Manager | $104,010 | 14.0% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,670 | 14.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | 15.0% |
| Civil Engineer | $92,550 | 15.8% |
| Plumber | $86,370 | 16.9% |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | 17.3% |
| Electrician | $81,990 | 17.8% |
| Accountant | $80,650 | 18.1% |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | 18.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,100 | 18.9% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $69,300 | 21.1% |
| Carpenter | $65,810 | 22.2% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | 22.4% |
| HVAC Technician | $63,170 | 23.1% |
| Firefighter | $62,730 | 23.3% |
| Truck Driver | $59,120 | 24.7% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,730 | 32.6% |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,330 | 36.2% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,900 | 36.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $39,410 | 37.0% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | 38.9% |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,410 | 39.0% |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,130 | 41.5% |
| Cashier | $30,090 | 48.5% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Pontiac?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $372 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $121,700 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $12,170 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Pontiac, MI?
Renting in Pontiac costs a median of about $1,216 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Michigan median is $1,314.
How much do I need to make to live in Pontiac?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $48,640 a year, or $23 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Pontiac cheap or expensive?
Pontiac is rated Expensive: rent takes 30.5% of the typical household income of $47,809. It ranks 68th cheapest of 179 Michigan cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Pontiac?
The median homeowner in Pontiac pays $1,257 a year in property taxes, about 1.03% of the median home value.
Is Pontiac more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are same as the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Pontiac?
The median home value in Pontiac is $121,700, about 2.5 times the typical yearly household income.
62,104 people live in Pontiac. Numbers are typical (middle) values.