East Lansing, MI Rental Market Trends
Last updated: February 21, 2026 | Source: RentCafe Market Analysis, Yardi Matrix, U.S. Census Bureau
Highlights
The average rent for an apartment in East Lansing is $1,769, a 3.96% increase compared to the previous year, when the average rent was $1,701.
Studio Apartments at $1,584 offer the most budget-friendly option with 427 square feet, ideal for single renters prioritizing location over space.
One-bedroom apartments provide 668 square feet for $1,286, balancing privacy and affordability.
Two-beedroom units at $1,655 offer 909 square feet, perfect for roommates or small families.
Three-bedroom apartments deliver maximum space (1,156 sq ft) for $2,179, suitable for larger households.
Average rent in East Lansing, MI
| Average Rent | Average Apartment Size | |
|---|---|---|
| All Rentals | $1,769 | 924 sq. ft. |
| Studio | $1,584 | 427 sq. ft. |
| 1 Bed | $1,286 | 668 sq. ft. |
| 2 Beds | $1,655 | 909 sq. ft. |
| 3 Beds | $2,179 | 1,156 sq. ft. |
East Lansing, MI rent trends
Rental prices in East Lansing, MI have increased by 3.96% over the past year. The average rent moved from $1,701 to $1,769.
What's the typical rent budget in East Lansing, MI?
The largest share of rentals in East Lansing, MI (43%) fall between $1,001-$1,500 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.
Do most people rent or own in East Lansing, MI?
8,508 or 61% of the households in East Lansing, MI are renter-occupied while 5,406 or 39% are owner-occupied.
How East Lansing Compares to Other Cities
| City | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| East Lansing | $1,769 |
| Detroit | $1,316 |
| Grand Rapids | $1,547 |
| Lansing | $1,237 |
| Ann Arbor | $2,021 |
| Southfield | $1,402 |
| Kalamazoo | $1,308 |
| Farmington Hills | $1,464 |
| Ypsilanti | $1,270 |
| Westland | $1,151 |
| Flint | $940 |
| Howell, MI | $1,535 |
| Holt, MI | $1,515 |
| Okemos, MI | $1,845 |
| Dewitt, MI | $1,298 |
| Durand, MI | $801 |
| Grand Ledge, MI | $1,267 |
| Haslett, MI | $1,222 |
| Mason, MI | $1,429 |
| Swartz Creek, MI | $1,161 |
| Corunna, MI | $990 |
Where this data comes from
The rental statistics on this page were compiled by RentCafe.com, a nationwide apartment search website trusted by millions of renters to find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.
Rent prices, trends, and apartment sizes were calculated based on data from our sister company, Yardi Matrix, an apartment market intelligence solution that covers approximately 90% of the U.S. metro area population. The data includes comprehensive information on all East Lansing apartment buildings with 50 or more units, totaling 23.5 million apartments across 181 U.S. markets.
Housing composition data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, using the most recently available information by tenure.