Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 9% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $68,250 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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Grand Rapids scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Grand Rapids (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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