Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 29% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $53,320 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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