Ann Arbor, MI vs Grand Rapids, MI: Cost of Living Comparison
Grand Rapids has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Ann Arbor | Grand Rapids | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 114 | 81 | Grand Rapids |
| Housing | 125 ($1,086) | 65 ($834) | Grand Rapids |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Ann Arbor |
| Food & groceries | 109 ($447) | 88 ($361) | Grand Rapids |
| Utilities | 113 ($225) | 83 ($117) | Grand Rapids |
| Healthcare | 113 ($163) | 83 ($85) | Grand Rapids |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,270) | 102 ($49,270) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ann Arbor, MI or Grand Rapids, MI cheaper to live in?
Grand Rapids, MI is cheaper overall by about 33 index points (Ann Arbor, MI: 114, Grand Rapids, MI: 81; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Ann Arbor, MI vs Grand Rapids, MI?
A single adult needs roughly $39,900/year in Ann Arbor, MI and $28,350/year in Grand Rapids, MI to cover basic living costs.