Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Ann Arbor and Flint, Michigan. Using Michigan's 1.54% property tax rate and $1,800/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Flint is significantly more affordable than Ann Arbor, with homes priced 85% lower on average. That translates to $2,644/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Michigan, Flint offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Michigan's 1.54% property tax rate.
Buying in Flint saves you approximately $2,644/month ($31,728/year) compared to Ann Arbor, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Flint is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $65K versus $425K in Ann Arbor. That's $360K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $2K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Flint, compared to $15K in Ann Arbor. Michigan offers the MSHDA DPA program (Up to $7,500 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Flint has the better price-to-rent ratio at 6.9x versus 21.5x in Ann Arbor. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Flint is $780/month on a $65K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Ann Arbor (pop. 123,851) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Flint (pop. 95,943) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Flint, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.