Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.9% more expensive than Grand Rapids, MI. This translates to spending an extra $291 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Grand Rapids, MI, you'd need approximately $153,497.338 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 25.1% more expensive than in Grand Rapids, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $291 more per month than Grand Rapids, MI, or $3497 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Grand Rapids, MI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Grand Rapids, MI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Milwaukee, WI area

Current salary in Grand Rapids, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $291/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$291

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.5K

Per year

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$288K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Grand Rapids, MI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Grand Rapids, MI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,973/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $496more	25.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,444/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $160less	11.1%
🏥Healthcare	$728/mo	$601/mo	↓ $127less	17.4%
📦Other	$1,649/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $58.56more	3.6%
⚡All Utilities	$515/mo	$546/mo	↑ $31.67more	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$972/mo	$959/mo	↓ $12.42less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 25.1%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$496

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.1%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$160

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.4%

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$127

less

📦Other

↑ 3.6%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$58.56

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.2%

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$31.67

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.3%

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$12.42

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,334

To$1,570

↑ $236

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,640

↑ $265

2 Bed

From$1,652

To$1,800

↑ $148

3 Bed

From$2,134

To$2,255

↑ $121

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$287

Difference

Home Values

Grand Rapids

Raleigh

$288K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +40.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$229K - $481K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 77% more expensive than Grand Rapids

Calculate payment - Grand Rapids Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $750

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$62.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.