Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 25% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $55,943 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Grand Rapids scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Grand Rapids (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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