Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 12% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $65,625 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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