Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 4% more affordable than Greenville. A $75,000 salary in Greenville is equivalent to $71,842 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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