salaryGrand Rapids is the 2nd-largest city in Michigan that we track, with 198,535 residents. Rent is higher than in 55% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.3 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 19 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $70,040 a year. That is $34 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Michigan cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Michigan. It is number 149 of 179 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Grand Rapids with other big cities
Compare Grand Rapids to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Grand Rapids?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.5% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Grand Rapids
| Size | Grand Rapids | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,202 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,120 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,396 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,692 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,049 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Grand Rapids overall?
Everyday prices in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood metro area are 4% below the U.S. average (index 95.5, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Grand Rapids
Life in Grand Rapids
What jobs pay in Grand Rapids
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $140,710 | 14.9% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,930 | 15.9% |
| Lawyer | $129,360 | 16.2% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,660 | 16.7% |
| Software Developer | $107,520 | 19.5% |
| Operations Manager | $101,720 | 20.7% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $97,210 | 21.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $92,600 | 22.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,290 | 24.9% |
| Registered Nurse | $83,920 | 25.0% |
| Plumber | $80,440 | 26.1% |
| Accountant | $76,270 | 27.5% |
| Police Officer | $74,920 | 28.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $65,230 | 32.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $64,880 | 32.4% |
| Electrician | $62,240 | 33.8% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,900 | 33.9% |
| HVAC Technician | $60,190 | 34.9% |
| Carpenter | $59,000 | 35.6% |
| Truck Driver | $58,270 | 36.1% |
| Firefighter | $56,260 | 37.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,990 | 46.7% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $42,930 | 48.9% |
| Medical Assistant | $39,890 | 52.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,340 | 54.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,360 | 56.2% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,130 | 58.2% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,800 | 60.4% |
| Cashier | $29,880 | 70.3% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Grand Rapids?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $55 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $244,500 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $24,450 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Grand Rapids, MI?
Renting in Grand Rapids costs a median of about $1,751 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Michigan median is $1,314.
How much do I need to make to live in Grand Rapids?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $70,040 a year, or $34 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Grand Rapids cheap or expensive?
Grand Rapids is rated OK: rent takes 28.2% of the typical household income of $74,533. It ranks 149th cheapest of 179 Michigan cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Grand Rapids?
The median homeowner in Grand Rapids pays $2,493 a year in property taxes, about 1.02% of the median home value.
Is Grand Rapids more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 4% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $244,500, about 3.3 times the typical yearly household income.
198,535 people live in Grand Rapids. Numbers are typical (middle) values.