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
$1,611
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$100
👥 People living there
914,802
198,535
Commute to work
21.5 min
19 min
College degree
38.2%
41.6%
Own their home
44.1%
54%
Below poverty line
18.1%
16.9%
Unemployment
5.1%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, lower unemployment.
- Pick Grand Rapids for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,260 | $80,440 | +27% in Grand Rapids |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $74,920 | -26% in Grand Rapids |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $61,900 | -21% in Grand Rapids |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,010 | $64,880 | -16% in Grand Rapids |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $42,930 | +15% in Grand Rapids |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $84,290 | -13% in Grand Rapids |
| Warehouse Worker | $41,200 | $36,130 | -12% in Grand Rapids |
| Software Developer | $122,340 | $107,520 | -12% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Columbus 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 Columbus?
About $60,048 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 4% more in Grand Rapids.