Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 9% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $68,250 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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