salaryGrand Rapids is 8% 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
$1,983
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$100
👥 People living there
2,711,226
198,535
Commute to work
33.1 min
19 min
College degree
44.3%
41.6%
Own their home
46%
54%
Below poverty line
16.8%
16.9%
Unemployment
8%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago 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 | Chicago | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $62,240 | -39% in Grand Rapids |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $42,930 | +38% in Grand Rapids |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $56,260 | -32% in Grand Rapids |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $74,920 | -31% in Grand Rapids |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $59,000 | -27% in Grand Rapids |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $60,190 | -23% in Grand Rapids |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $80,440 | -22% in Grand Rapids |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $129,360 | -22% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Grand Rapids is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,751 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $55,338 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 13% more in Chicago.