Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 5% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $71,094 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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