Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 23% more affordable than New Haven. A $75,000 salary in New Haven 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 · Connecticut salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while New Haven sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in New Haven, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,400 in New Haven.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while New Haven scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than New Haven (114).
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $42,158 in New Haven. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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