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Houghton, MI Homes for Rent

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  • /20

    Starting at $500 Per Month

    • Studio - 4 Beds

    408 Fairview St, Houghton, MI 49931

    Visit our website at TheElementsHoughton dot com for video walkthroughs, information about all our available floor plans, and a link to our application!The Elements is an off-campus student housing community in Houghton, MI located just steps from Michigan Technological University.We've got a variety of options to choose from when you live with us - furnished or non-furnished

    The Elements

    408 Fairview St, Houghton, MI 49931
  • /11

    Starting at $900 Per Month

    • 1 - 2 Beds

    65 Isle Royale St, Houghton, MI 49931

    Right in the heart of historic Downtown Houghton Gazette Apartments is conveniently close to Michigan Tech, local trails, and all the amenities of the downtown. It boasts affordable lofts and 1 and 2 bedroom options for rent, some with stunning views of the portage canal and bridge. Water, heat and garbage included. There is coin laundry on site, and parking available just a few steps across the

    Gazette Apartments

    65 Isle Royale St, Houghton, MI 49931
  • /33

    $2,500 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath, Furnished Home in Houghton

    105 W Houghton Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

    Enjoy comfortable living in this fully furnished home located near Michigan Technological University in Houghton. The property offers convenient access to downtown Houghton, as well as a quick commute to MTU.Inside, the home is move-in ready with furnishings included, making it an excellent option for students, faculty, professionals, or families. Large windows provide plenty of natural

    105 W Houghton Ave, Houghton, MI 49931
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    $1,950 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 3 Bedroom Freshly Renovated Family Home in Houghton

    408 W Douglass Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

    Beautiful family home available for rent on Douglass Ave in Houghton, a quick commute from Michigan Tech Campus! This 3 bedroom freshly renovated home includes amenities such as in unit laundry, off street parking including a single car garage, and heated floors!

    408 W Douglass Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

Why Live in Houghton

Houghton, MI, is a small city known for its robust outdoor lifestyle and seasonal activities. Winters are cold and snowy, with over 200 inches of snow annually, making it ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and outdoor hockey. Summers offer mountain biking, boating, hiking, and camping, with the Keweenaw Waterway and Lake Superior nearby. Michigan Technological University significantly influences the city, doubling its population during the school year and hosting the annual Winter Carnival. The university is the largest employer, followed by UP Health System Portage. Houghton-Portage Township Schools are highly rated, with Houghton Elementary, Middle, and High Schools all receiving high marks. The city has a rich hockey history, with recreational leagues and the Michigan Tech Huskies' successful NCAA Division I team. Waterfront parks, a public fishing pier, and the Waterfront Trail provide ample summer activities, while winter transforms the area into a snowmobiling haven. Downtown Houghton features two-story brick buildings and hosts the Bridgefest summer festival. Transportation can be challenging in winter, but the Portage Lift Bridge and local transit lines connect the city. Houghton County Memorial Airport is 7 miles north, and UP Health System Portage is 3 miles away in Hancock. Crime rates in Houghton are lower than the national average, contributing to the city's appeal. Housing options range from early 1900s Colonial Revivals and workers' cottages to mid-century bi-levels and ranch-style homes, with newer traditional houses also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Houghton, MI?
The median rent for a home in Houghton, MI is $2,225 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Houghton, MI?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Houghton, MI, a household needs to earn roughly $89,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $2,225 per month in Houghton, MI, renters typically need to show $6,675 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Houghton, MI?
In Houghton, MI, the price-to-rent ratio is 8.3, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
4
Median Rent
$2,225
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,500
How to Rent a Home