Rent in Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Long Beach: What $1,200/month gets you right now

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent for a set dollar amount in various cities across the U.S. Is one person's studio another's townhouse? Let's find out! Today's price: $1,200/month.

↑ Detroit, MI (4 beds, 1.5 baths)—This 1,500-square-foot beauty in Detroit’s Rosedale Park historic district shows off a beautiful living room fireplace and built-in shelves, updated upstairs rooms, and some wood-paneled walls. There are generous front and back yards. It’s actually comes under budget at $1,100/month.

↑ Long Beach, CA (Studio, 1 bath)—When a listing calls itself a “junior studio,” you know you shouldn’t expect much. Indeed, this unit in a historic building (in the very walkable East Village Arts District!) gives you exactly 287 square feet to work with, kitchen not included. There is “enough space to install a small kitchenette with induction cooker, hot pot, toaster, and microwave,” the listing reassures. At least everything that is there looks new.

↑ Minneapolis, MN (1 bed, 1 bath)—This brand-new 614- square-foot apartment in the Minneapolis Lakes area offers an airy living room and modern kitchenette. The complex, built on a bus route near car and bike share options, is optimized for multi-modal transportation.

↑ Palm Springs, CA (2 beds, 1.5 baths)—For an under-budget $1,100/month, you can live in an upper-level unit in a gated community. The 1,130-square-foot abode offers vaulted ceilings, a private balcony overlooking the communal pool and mountains, and sun sun sun!

↑ Pittsburgh, PA (2 beds, 1 bath)—Two great fireplaces can be had in this charming apartment located on the first floor of a brick Victorian. The home comes with a private back porch and entrance.