Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MI
Population 197,768 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Grand Rapids stay well under national norms: a median home value of $226,000 against median household incomes of $65,526 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Michigan.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $225,500 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,191/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,526/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Grand Rapids, MI?
The median gross rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $225,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Grand Rapids?
The median household income in Grand Rapids is $65,526 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Grand Rapids, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grand Rapids is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Grand Rapids, MI affordable?
Yes, Grand Rapids is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
Grand Rapids at a Glance
- Population
- 197,768
- Median Income
- $65,526
- Home Value
- $225,500
- Median Rent
- $1,191/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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