Recently, I consulted with a family preparing to move to Detroit. They had two kids and a set budget. We discussed which unit would be the best fit for them.

We started with studios. The average size is 500 square feet. Rent ranges from $950 to $1,000. There are many new constructions in downtown and midtown. These are mainly sought after by single individuals, especially young professionals. It wasn't suitable for a family.

Next, we looked at one-bedroom units. The average size is 720 square feet. Rent is around $1,100 to $1,150. This is about $150 more than a studio. It's suitable for single individuals or newlyweds looking for independent space. However, it was still insufficient for a family with two kids.

We then moved on to two-bedroom units. The average size is 1,020 square feet. Rent is between $1,350 and $1,450. This size is appropriate for a family with one child or two roommates. There was potential for this family, but with two kids, the room allocation was tricky.

Ultimately, we looked at three-bedroom units. The average size is 1,280 square feet. Rent ranges from $1,650 to $1,750. Most new developments in Detroit are primarily two-bedroom focused. There was less supply for three-bedrooms, making it time-consuming to find available listings.

The difference between studios and one-bedrooms wasn't significant. However, the gap widened when moving from two-bedrooms to three-bedrooms. Adding one more room cost nearly $300 more. The limited supply drives up the prices.

• Studio: $950–$1,000/month, average 500 sqft
• 1 Bedroom: $1,100–$1,150/month, average 720 sqft
• 2 Bedrooms: $1,350–$1,450/month, average 1,020 sqft
• 3 Bedrooms: $1,650–$1,750/month, average 1,280 sqft

I recommended a three-bedroom for this family. Instead, we looked for developments outside downtown, which increased their options and allowed them to stay within budget.

This experience highlighted that the size and rental price differences in Detroit vary by neighborhood. Ultimately, putting in the effort to find a suitable place for their family is the most reliable approach.