Detroit is a city of grit, history, and an endless supply of coney dogs. It has a thriving music scene, some of the best pizza in the Midwest, and sports teams that may or may not emotionally ruin you. But while the city’s got a lot to offer, rent prices in some areas can be less than ideal. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable Detroit suburbs where you can find lower rent, more space, and a much lower risk of getting stuck behind a parade of e-scooters on your way to work.
Detroit’s housing market at a glance
Detroit is a city of resilience, history, and unbeatable music and food, but finding affordable housing in the right area can still be a challenge. Fortunately, several nearby suburbs offer lower rent, more space, and an easy commute to the city. Here’s a quick look at Detroit’s current housing prices before diving into the 10 of the most affordable Detroit suburbs.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Detroit | $1,697 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Detroit | $2,181 |
| Median home price in Detroit | $95,000 |
1. Pontiac
If you’ve ever wanted to live somewhere with cheap rent, great music, and a haunted house that might actually be haunted, Pontiac is the place.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $915
- Distance from Detroit: 30 miles northwest
- Drive time to Detroit: About 35 minutes
At $915 per month for a 1-bedroom, Pontiac is the most affordable Detroit suburb on this list. The town is home to The Crofoot, a historic venue where you can catch live music without the hassle of fighting downtown parking. And if you enjoy having the living daylights scared out of you, Erebus Haunted Attraction is one of the largest haunted houses in the world. Pontiac’s housing market includes affordable apartments, older single-family homes, and lofts with industrial vibes, making it a solid choice for renters who want character without the crazy price tag.
2. Taylor
A suburb where you can afford rent, take a peaceful walk through a historic park, and still have money left over for a shopping spree you definitely don’t need.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $945
- Distance from Detroit: 18 miles southwest
- Drive time to Detroit: About 25 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $945 per month, Taylor is where you go when you want space, affordability, and easy access to the city. Heritage Park is the heart of the community, with everything from scenic walking trails to historical buildings. If you need a little retail therapy, Southland Center is the go-to shopping hub with everything from big-name brands to local gems.
3. Warren
If you love classic cars, indoor waterparks, and the thrill of living somewhere that still hasn’t figured out why rent should be more expensive, Warren delivers.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $947
- Distance from Detroit: 15 miles north
- Drive time to Detroit: About 20 minutes
At $947 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Warren is the Goldilocks of affordable Detroit suburbs—not too far, not too expensive, and just enough going on to keep things interesting. Car lovers will appreciate the GM Heritage Center, which showcases General Motors’ legendary vehicle lineup (and reminds you of how badly you want a vintage Corvette). If you’re more into swimming than cars, Warren Community Centre Indoor Waterpark supports year-round fun, so you can pretend winter isn’t real for a few sweet moments. Housing options here range from low-cost apartments to single-family homes, making it perfect for anyone looking to stretch their rent dollars.
4. Westland
A town where you can spend your weekends hiking through massive parks, shopping at a solid mall, and still afford your Netflix subscription.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,013
- Distance from Detroit: 16 miles west
- Drive time to Detroit: About 25 minutes
At $1,013 per month for a 1-bedroom, Westland gives you big suburban energy without big suburban costs. The massive Hines Park is a local favorite, with endless trails, athletics fields, and just enough scenic beauty to trick you into thinking you enjoy exercise. If your idea of cardio is walking through a mall, Westland Shopping Center has you covered with plenty of stores and food options. Housing in Westland includes budget-friendly apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes, making it one of the most well-rounded affordable Detroit suburbs.
5. Clinton Township
If you like your suburbs with lakes, scenic parks, and an open-air mall that makes you feel fancy even when you’re just buying socks, this is the spot.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,032
- Distance from Detroit: 25 miles northeast
- Drive time to Detroit: About 30 minutes
At $1,032 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Clinton Township serves up affordable rent with a side of peaceful scenery. George George Memorial Park is a scenic oasis with fountains, trails, and playgrounds, making it a great place for kids and adults. If you like your shopping experiences to come with fresh air, The Mall at Partridge Creek is an open-air shopping center with plenty of stores and food spots. Housing here includes modern apartments, condos, and single-family homes, so whether you’re looking for cozy or spacious, Clinton Township has options.
6. Madison Heights
A hidden gem of Metro Detroit where your rent is low, your summers are sun-soaked, and your life is good.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,072
- Distance from Detroit: 14 miles north
- Drive time to Detroit: About 20 minutes
At $1,072 per month for a 1-bedroom, Madison Heights is one of those suburbs that flies under the radar—but shouldn’t. Red Oaks Waterpark is a summer favorite, with slides, wave pools, and the occasional why did I agree to go down this waterslide? moment. Madison Place serves as the community hub, hosting events and activities for all ages.
7. Sterling Heights
A place where you can live affordably, enjoy concerts in the park, and maybe even reconnect with nature.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,115
- Distance from Detroit: 20 miles north
- Drive time to Detroit: About 25 minutes
With an average-bedroom rent of $1,115 per month, Sterling Heights is a solid choice for renters who like having plenty to do. Dodge Park is the heartbeat of the community, with farmers markets, concerts, and so much more. The Sterling Heights Nature Center is a peaceful retreat for those who like a little peace and quiet to clear their heads. The housing market in Sterling Heights is a healthy mix of affordable apartments, townhomes, and suburban houses, making it one of the top affordable Detroit suburbs for renters who want variety without the sky-high costs.
8. Southfield
If you want the convenience of a city with the chill of a suburb and the occasional reminder that you should probably take up fishing, Southfield’s your type of place.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,135
- Distance from Detroit: 15 miles northwest
- Drive time to Detroit: About 20 minutes
At $1,135 per month for a 1-bedroom, Southfield is for people who like their suburbs with a little extra personality. History buffs will love the Detroit Historical Museum, which covers everything from Motown to the auto industry. Meanwhile, Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is great for hiking and fishing, proving that Southfield isn’t all about business parks and office buildings.
9. Ferndale
A suburb where you can start your day at a farmer’s market, end your night at a dive bar, and somehow find the perfect piece of vintage furniture in between.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,300
- Distance from Detroit: 12 miles north
- Drive time to Detroit: About 18 minutes
With 1-bedroom apartments going for about $1,300 per month, Ferndale is where artists, nine-to-fivers, and craft beer enthusiasts unite. The Rust Belt Market is an artisan marketplace packed with unique finds, while Valentine Distilling Co. serves up handcrafted spirits for anyone looking to unwind. Downtown Ferndale is a hotspot for nightlife, diverse dining, and quirky shops, making it a top pick for renters who love city vibes without downtown prices.
10. Royal Oak
If you want a suburb that feels like a city but without the rent that makes you rethink your finances, Royal Oak is your happy place.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,310
- Distance from Detroit: 14 miles north
- Drive time to Detroit: About 20 minutes
At $1,310 per month for a 1-bedroom, Royal Oak is the last of the affordable Detroit suburbs on this list. The Detroit Zoo is one of the biggest and most iconic attractions in town. But the real draw? Downtown Royal Oak, packed with trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques full of special finds. Housing options in Royal Oak include chic apartments, townhomes, and charming bungalows that make you want to start collecting houseplants. If you’re looking for an affordable Detroit suburb that feels more like a mini-city, Royal Oak is the place to be.
Settle down in an affordable Detroit suburb
Finding affordable Detroit suburbs isn’t impossible—you just need to know where to look. If you want rock-bottom rent and live music venues, Pontiac is your move. Looking for big parks and suburban charm? Westland and Clinton Township have you covered. Want quirky shops and great nightlife without city rent? Ferndale is calling your name. No matter what your budget is, there’s an affordable Detroit suburb near where you can actually afford to liveAffordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Detroit’s average rent and under 35 miles from downtown Detroit. Average rental data from Detroit rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
