Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 41% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $44,032 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $460,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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