Lansing

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Lansing, MI

Area Guide

A laidback atmosphere in Michigan’s capital city

Affordable Airport College Town River Historic

Living in Lansing, Michigan combines state government energy, educational opportunities, and local culture in the heart of the Great Lakes State. The State Capitol building anchors the downtown area, while the Grand River and Red Cedar River frame the extensive Lansing River Trail system. Michigan State University in neighboring East Lansing enhances the area with its academic presence and Big Ten sporting events. The rental market currently shows moderate growth, with average rents ranging from $859 for studios to $1,660 for four-bedroom units, and an overall average rent of $981 showing a 3.1% annual increase.

Lansing's neighborhoods each offer distinct character, from Old Town's historic architecture and art galleries to the established Eastside neighborhood. REO Town, named after auto pioneer Ransom Eli Olds, showcases the city's automotive heritage through its architecture and museums. Outdoor spaces include the 102-acre Potter Park Zoo and the extensive river trail network. Housing options span from downtown apartments to homes in residential areas. Local landmarks include the Impression 5 Science Center, the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, and the Michigan State Capitol, which welcomes visitors with its restored hand-painted ceilings and Victorian-era architecture. The city's event calendar features the Common Ground Music Festival and Silver Bells in the City, a holiday celebration that illuminates downtown each November.

Explore the City

The Lansing skyline

The Michigan State Capitol was built in 1872

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Lansing, MI is $854 for a studio, $988 for one bedroom, $1,201 for two bedrooms, and $1,500 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lansing has increased by 4.0% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$988/month
657 Sq Ft
House
$2,694/month
1,163 Sq Ft
Condo
$993/month
645 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,254/month
958 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Lansing, MI

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Lansing, MI is 8.2% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Lansing is 17.1% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $854 - $1,500. You can expect to pay 10.7% less for groceries, 3.7% more for utilities, and 10.8% more for transportation.

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Transportation

52

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

25

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

55

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Delta Center Elementary School

Public

Grades K-4

501 Students

Elmwood Elementary School

Public

Grades 1-4

375 Students

Post Oak Magnet School

Public

Grades PK-8

315 Students

Forest View School

Public

Grades PK-3

225 Students

Willow School

Public

Grades PK-5

202 Students

Post Oak Magnet School

Public

Grades PK-8

315 Students

Eastern High School

Public

Grades 7-12

1,049 Students

JW Sexton High School

Public

Grades 7-12

976 Students

Pattengill Academy

Public

Grades PK-7

600 Students

Wexford Montessori Magnet School

Public

Grades PK-8

327 Students

Waverly Senior High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,000 Students

Eastern High School

Public

Grades 7-12

1,049 Students

JW Sexton High School

Public

Grades 7-12

976 Students

Everett High School

Public

Grades 7-12

1,232 Students

Woodcreek Achievement Center

Public

Grades 7-12

148 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Potter Park Zoo
  • Fenner Nature Center
  • Impression 5 Science Center
  • Michigan State Univ. Observatory
  • Woldumar Nature Center

Airports

  • Capital Region International

Top Apartments in Lansing

Houses for Rent in Lansing

Property Management Companies in Lansing, MI

Living in Lansing

Restaurants

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From sports bars to the finest in five-star dining, Lansing has the sustenance to suit everyone's personal palate. Near the Eastwood Towne Center shopping district, there are a host of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in close proximity with one another. A person can spend their day shopping or touring the city and find almost any kind of food to fit their mood. Tavern on the Square, Kelly's Downtown and Deluca's Restaurant are just a few of the most popular eateries in the city.

Shopping

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Lansing's downtown district offers a wide selection of shops and stores to suit everyone's interests. Old Towne specializes in galleries of art work, eclectic venues for shoppers who like to explore different types of stores and quaint little stores designed to entice and intrigue everyone who passes by. Eastwood Towne Center is a state of the art, outdoor plaza with shops and stores along both sides of the avenue. Shopping centers and malls are also within easy reach and offer the convenience of department store shopping within a few miles of home.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.