Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 9% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $68,250 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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