Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 14% more affordable than Minneapolis. A $75,000 salary in Minneapolis 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Minneapolis sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $310,000 in Minneapolis, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,500 in Minneapolis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Minneapolis scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Minneapolis (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $64,285 in Minneapolis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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