Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Detroit and Grand Rapids have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Grand Rapids scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Grand Rapids (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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