Is Grand Rapids, MI cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Grand Rapids, MI is 2.6% more expensive than Lincoln, NE. This translates to spending an extra $195 per month.

What salary do I need in Grand Rapids, MI to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $152,345.58 in Grand Rapids, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Grand Rapids, MI?

Housing in Grand Rapids, MI is 6.3% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

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

Living in Grand Rapids, MI costs approximately $195 more per month than Lincoln, NE, or $2346 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE 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 Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $195/month more in Grand Rapids, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.3K in Grand Rapids, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$195

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.3K

Per year

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

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$288K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 295K residents.

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: Lincoln, NE vs Grand Rapids, MI

Category	Lincoln, NE	Grand Rapids, MI	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,444/mo	↑ $201more	16.1%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$1,973/mo	↓ $132less	6.3%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,649/mo	↑ $75.36more	4.8%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$728/mo	↑ $46.48more	6.8%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$515/mo	↑ $44.83more	9.5%
Groceries	$949/mo	$972/mo	↑ $22.41more	2.4%

Transportation

↑ 16.1%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Difference

$201

Housing

↓ 6.3%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Difference

$132

less

Other

↑ 4.8%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Difference

$75.36

Healthcare

↑ 6.8%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Difference

$46.48

All Utilities

↑ 9.5%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Difference

$44.83

Groceries

↑ 2.4%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Difference

$22.41

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lincoln, NE 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$920

To$1,334

↑ $414

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,375

↑ $375

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,652

↑ $422

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$2,134

↑ $429

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/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.

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$258

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Grand Rapids

$274K

Median Value

$288K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2.2%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.6%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$229K - $481K

Homes in Grand Rapids are 5% more expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Grand Rapids

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$247

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Lincoln, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

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

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.