Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Jackson is 10% more affordable than Grand Rapids. A $75,000 salary in Grand Rapids is equivalent to $67,582 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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