salaryColumbus is 7% 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
$1,314
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$100
👥 People living there
203,711
198,535
Commute to work
20.9 min
19 min
College degree
30.5%
41.6%
Own their home
50.8%
54%
Below poverty line
19%
16.9%
Unemployment
6.3%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus 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 | Columbus | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $42,930 | +106% in Grand Rapids |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $80,440 | +70% in Grand Rapids |
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $74,920 | +50% in Grand Rapids |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $59,000 | +31% in Grand Rapids |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $60,190 | +29% in Grand Rapids |
| Lawyer | $104,120 | $129,360 | +24% in Grand Rapids |
| Operations Manager | $82,330 | $101,720 | +24% in Grand Rapids |
| Retail Salesperson | $28,180 | $34,800 | +23% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,751 in Grand Rapids.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $64,200 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 16% more in Grand Rapids.