Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 15% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $63,785 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Grand Rapids sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $240,000 in Grand Rapids, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,200 in Grand Rapids.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Grand Rapids scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Grand Rapids (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $49,982 in Grand Rapids. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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