Grand Rapids, MI vs Kalamazoo, MI: Cost of Living Comparison
Kalamazoo has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Grand Rapids | Kalamazoo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 81 | 69 | Kalamazoo |
| Housing | 65 ($834) | 47 ($722) | Kalamazoo |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Grand Rapids |
| Food & groceries | 88 ($361) | 66 ($271) | Kalamazoo |
| Utilities | 83 ($117) | 74 ($85) | Kalamazoo |
| Healthcare | 83 ($85) | 74 ($61) | Kalamazoo |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI or Kalamazoo, MI cheaper to live in?
Kalamazoo, MI is cheaper overall by about 12 index points (Grand Rapids, MI: 81, Kalamazoo, MI: 69; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids, MI vs Kalamazoo, MI?
A single adult needs roughly $28,350/year in Grand Rapids, MI and $24,150/year in Kalamazoo, MI to cover basic living costs.