Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 12% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $66,262 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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