Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan (2026)
COL Index
89
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,400
per month
Median HHI
$57K
per year
State Tax
4.1%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,400 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,800 |
| Median home price | $280K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $52 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $58 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.15 |
| Car insurance/mo | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $162 |
| Internet/mo | $60 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $57K |
| State income tax rate | 4.1% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 89 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38 |
Is Grand Rapids affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,592/mo take-home
54% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,990/mo take-home
47% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,588/mo take-home
39% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,484/mo take-home
31% rent burden · Manageable
$80K
~$4,783/mo take-home
29% rent burden · Manageable
$100K
~$5,979/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
$120K
~$6,745/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,431/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
Too expensive? Find cheaper alternatives.
See cities with a lower cost of living than Grand Rapids.
Compare Grand Rapids with other cities
Grand Rapids vs New YorkCompare →Grand Rapids vs Los AngelesCompare →Grand Rapids vs ChicagoCompare →Grand Rapids vs HoustonCompare →
Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only