Cost of Living in East Lansing, MI

Population: 45,394 • 2026 Data

$43,547
Median Household Income
-44% vs national
$1,122
Median Monthly Rent
-17% vs national
$251,600
Median Home Value
-26% vs national
6.9%
Unemployment Rate

Housing in East Lansing

The median home value in East Lansing, MI is $251,600. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,122, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,191.

Rent-to-income ratio: 30.9%. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, indicating housing costs may be a burden for median-income households.

Income and Employment

The median household income in East Lansing, MI is $43,547. The unemployment rate stands at 6.9%, with a labor force of 23,173 people.

Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.

Verify at data.census.gov