salaryGrand Rapids is 12% 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
$3,112
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$100
👥 People living there
666,442
198,535
Commute to work
30.3 min
19 min
College degree
54.9%
41.6%
Own their home
35.7%
54%
Below poverty line
16.6%
16.9%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Grand Rapids for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $61,900 | -37% in Grand Rapids |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $64,880 | -37% in Grand Rapids |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $107,520 | -35% in Grand Rapids |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $129,360 | -29% in Grand Rapids |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $97,210 | -25% in Grand Rapids |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $101,720 | -24% in Grand Rapids |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $56,260 | -24% in Grand Rapids |
| Accountant | $100,150 | $76,270 | -24% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Grand Rapids is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,751 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $52,951 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 41% more in Boston.