Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 17% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $62,045 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Grand Rapids scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Grand Rapids (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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