Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
53% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 53% more affordable than Brooklyn. A $75,000 salary in Brooklyn is equivalent to $35,000 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Brooklyn has a housing index of 325 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Brooklyn costs $780,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $540,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,900 in Brooklyn versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Brooklyn scores 108 while Grand Rapids scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Brooklyn (108) are higher than Grand Rapids (98).
Median household income in Brooklyn is $65,294 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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