salaryGrand Rapids is 5% 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
$1,347
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$100
👥 People living there
638,530
198,535
Commute to work
24.8 min
19 min
College degree
18.1%
41.6%
Own their home
50.3%
54%
Below poverty line
32.7%
16.9%
Unemployment
14%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit 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 | Detroit | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $81,990 | $62,240 | -24% in Grand Rapids |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | $107,520 | -18% in Grand Rapids |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,100 | $64,880 | -16% in Grand Rapids |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $42,930 | +15% in Grand Rapids |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | $83,920 | -14% in Grand Rapids |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,330 | $36,130 | -10% in Grand Rapids |
| Carpenter | $65,810 | $59,000 | -10% in Grand Rapids |
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $56,260 | -10% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Grand Rapids is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,751 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $57,157 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 42% more in Grand Rapids.