Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Grand Rapids and San Antonio have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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