Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Birmingham is 4% more affordable than Grand Rapids. A $75,000 salary in Grand Rapids is equivalent to $71,703 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Grand Rapids scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Grand Rapids (98).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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