Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 14% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $64,387 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 · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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