Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 29% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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