Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
45% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 45% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $41,114 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $610,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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