Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 3% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $72,606 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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