Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 23% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $57,839 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 · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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