Voucher-vs-Market Gap: Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA
Open-data reference.
In Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA, the HUD 2-BR FMR ($943) compared to PlainRent's 2-BR advertised-rent median ($1,268) produces a -25.6% gap. Vouchers comfortably cover market rent — voucher holders have flexibility in unit choice.
- 5th percentile by gap severity (of 371 metros)
- HUD FMR × PlainRent 2-BR median
- Classification: generous
What the Voucher-vs-Market Gap in Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA Tells You
In Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA (CBSA 29620), the HUD FY2025 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent of $$943/month is cross-joined with PlainRent's advertised 2-bedroom market median of $$1,268/month. The derived gap is -25.6%, which PlainVoucher classifies as "generous". Positive percentages mean the HUD voucher reference falls short of advertised rent; negative percentages mean the voucher overshoots the open market.
Ranked against 371 metros we track, Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA sits at the 5th percentile by gap severity — meaning 5% of metros show an equal or smaller gap. A negative gap indicates the HUD reference runs above advertised market rent here — voucher holders generally have better unit selection within the payment standard and lease-up times can be faster than in gap-stressed metros.
The gap metric is a PlainVoucher-derived figure, not a HUD-published statistic: we compute it as (HUD 2-BR FMR − PlainRent 2-BR median) ÷ PlainRent 2-BR median × 100, refreshed whenever either upstream dataset changes. Because PlainRent's median is based on advertised listings rather than leased rents, it trends slightly above actual paid rents in most metros — treat the gap as a directional signal, not a dollar-perfect forecast. Use it to compare Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA against peer metros in our gap directory, to flag portability candidates via the portability guide, or as a negotiation anchor with landlords at lease-up.
The numbers
- HUD 2-BR FMR (FY2025): $$943/mo
- PlainRent 2-BR market median: $$1,268/mo
- Gap: -25.6%
- Classification: generous
What this means
A negative gap means the HUD FMR reference exceeds advertised market rent. Voucher holders in Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA typically have good unit options at or below the payment standard, and may be able to lease up quickly once a voucher is issued. This is a favorable market from a voucher-holder's perspective.
How we compute this
Every month, PlainRent's advertised-rent index is cross-joined with HUD's latest published Fair Market Rent for the metro. The formula:
gap % = (HUD 2-BR FMR − PlainRent 2-BR median) / PlainRent 2-BR median × 100
Positive gap = voucher falls short. Negative gap = voucher covers market. See methodology for the full cross-DB join.
Related
- Full payment standards for Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA
- Payment Standards vs. FMR (guide)
- Voucher Portability — moving to a metro with better coverage
Nearby metro gaps
Compare the voucher-vs-market gap in metros near Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA:
- Ann Arbor, MI MSA · CBSA 11460
- Barry County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area · CBSA 24340
- Battle Creek, MI MSA · CBSA 12980
- Bay City, MI MSA · CBSA 13020
- Benzie County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area · CBSA 45900
Source: HUD USER Fair Market Rent FY2025, PlainRent advertised-rent index. Cross-DB join computed at runtime. Gap percent is a derived metric unique to PlainVoucher — not a HUD-published figure. See our methodology for the full calculation.
⚠ Disclaimer. Market-rent medians reflect advertised listings and may not match what actual voucher holders pay. Actual PHA payment standards can differ from HUD FMR by ±10%. Always confirm the current payment standard and market conditions with your PHA and a local housing counselor. PlainVoucher is not affiliated with HUD or any PHA.