salaryBirmingham is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Grand Rapids to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,291
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$100
👥 People living there
198,173
198,535
Commute to work
20.8 min
19 min
College degree
31.1%
41.6%
Own their home
45.5%
54%
Below poverty line
24.7%
16.9%
Unemployment
5.8%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Grand Rapids for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,670 | $42,930 | +55% in Grand Rapids |
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $84,290 | +37% in Grand Rapids |
| Plumber | $60,090 | $80,440 | +34% in Grand Rapids |
| Physician Assistant | $105,440 | $131,930 | +25% in Grand Rapids |
| Lawyer | $170,230 | $129,360 | -24% in Grand Rapids |
| Police Officer | $60,590 | $74,920 | +24% in Grand Rapids |
| HVAC Technician | $48,740 | $60,190 | +23% in Grand Rapids |
| Operations Manager | $123,560 | $101,720 | -18% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Birmingham is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,291 a month there versus $1,751 in Grand Rapids.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Birmingham?
About $62,555 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 33% more in Grand Rapids.
More comparisons
All Birmingham comparisons → · All Grand Rapids comparisons →