Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 22% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $58,333 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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