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Rent vs Buy in Detroit, MI

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Detroit. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$85,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,100

Property Tax Rate

1.31%/yr

Avg Appreciation

1.2%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$85,000
20% ($17,000)
$1,100
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Detroit, MI?

The decision to rent or buy in Detroit, Michigan depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $85,000 and median monthly rent of $1,100, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Detroit has an average property tax rate of 1.31% annually, which adds approximately $93/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Detroit have appreciated at roughly 1.2% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Detroit Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $17,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $452/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $93/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $71/mo