Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 26% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $55,488 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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