Is Grand Rapids, MI cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Grand Rapids, MI is 13.6% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1022 per month.

What salary do I need in Grand Rapids, MI to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $137,737.722 in Grand Rapids, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Grand Rapids, MI?

Housing in Grand Rapids, MI is 35.7% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI?

Moving from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI could save you approximately $1022 per month, or $12262 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chicago, IL vs Grand Rapids, MI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Grand Rapids, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.7K in Grand Rapids, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,022

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$305K

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$288K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 197K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Grand Rapids, MI

Category	Chicago, IL	Grand Rapids, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,973/mo	↓ $1,093less	35.7%
Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,444/mo	↓ $237less	14.1%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$728/mo	↑ $133more	22.4%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,649/mo	↓ $109less	6.2%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$972/mo	↓ $57.53less	5.6%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$515/mo	↓ $4.35less	0.8%

Housing

↓ 35.7%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Difference

$1,093

less

Transportation

↓ 14.1%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Difference

$237

less

Healthcare

↑ 22.4%

Chicago, IL

$595

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Difference

$133

Other

↓ 6.2%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Difference

$109

less

Groceries

↓ 5.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Difference

$57.53

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.8%

Chicago, IL

$519

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Difference

$4.35

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

Chicago, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,334

↓ $266

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,375

↓ $335

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,652

↓ $273

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,134

↓ $346

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$1,367

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Grand Rapids

$305K

Median Value

$288K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2.2%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.6%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$229K - $481K

Homes in Grand Rapids are 6% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Grand Rapids

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$87.50

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Grand Rapids, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.