Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 16% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $63,194 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Grand Rapids scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Grand Rapids (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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