Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 15% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $63,785 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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