salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,397
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,121
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$53,969
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$164,200
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.8
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,622
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$99
$100
👥 People living there
276,854
198,535
Commute to work
19.9 min
19 min
College degree
31.2%
41.6%
Own their home
43%
54%
Below poverty line
26%
16.9%
Unemployment
7.3%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Buffalo 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 | Buffalo | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $74,470 | $56,260 | -24% in Grand Rapids |
| Electrician | $77,930 | $62,240 | -20% in Grand Rapids |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,490 | $61,900 | -19% in Grand Rapids |
| Warehouse Worker | $43,130 | $36,130 | -16% in Grand Rapids |
| Software Developer | $127,850 | $107,520 | -16% in Grand Rapids |
| Registered Nurse | $99,060 | $83,920 | -15% in Grand Rapids |
| Market Research Analyst | $75,990 | $64,880 | -15% in Grand Rapids |
| Cashier | $33,850 | $29,880 | -12% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Buffalo and Grand Rapids cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Buffalo?
About $59,813 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Buffalo or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $53,969 in Buffalo and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 28% more in Grand Rapids.