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Studio Apartment for Rent in Houghton, MI

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    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

    (906) 523-3165

    408 Fairview St, 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 $2,400 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 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 $96,000 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 $2,400 per month in Houghton, MI, renters typically need to show $7,200 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 8.9, 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 in Houghton, MI

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$2,400
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,400
How to Rent a Home