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
$1,797
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,604
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$88,026
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$392,800
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.6
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,263
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$117
$100
👥 People living there
291,467
198,535
Commute to work
22.3 min
19 min
College degree
57.3%
41.6%
Own their home
52.3%
54%
Below poverty line
11.7%
16.9%
Unemployment
3.8%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Durham for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Grand Rapids for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Durham | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $38,350 | $56,260 | +47% in Grand Rapids |
| Plumber | $60,110 | $80,440 | +34% in Grand Rapids |
| Market Research Analyst | $93,110 | $64,880 | -30% in Grand Rapids |
| Police Officer | $60,100 | $74,920 | +25% in Grand Rapids |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,230 | $42,930 | +22% in Grand Rapids |
| Software Developer | $135,620 | $107,520 | -21% in Grand Rapids |
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,400 | $61,900 | +20% in Grand Rapids |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,460 | $84,290 | -17% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Durham 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 Durham?
About $58,754 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Durham or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $88,026 in Durham and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 18% more in Durham.