Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
51% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 51% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $36,694 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 · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $480,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Honolulu (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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