Is Grand Rapids, MI cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Grand Rapids, MI is 13.5% cheaper than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to saving $1016 per month.

What salary do I need in Grand Rapids, MI to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $137,809.702 in Grand Rapids, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Grand Rapids, MI?

Housing in Grand Rapids, MI is 29.7% cheaper than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Saint Paul, MN to Grand Rapids, MI?

Moving from Saint Paul, MN to Grand Rapids, MI could save you approximately $1016 per month, or $12190 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN 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 Saint Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.8K in Grand Rapids, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,016

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.2K

Per year

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

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$288K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 308K 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: Saint Paul, MN vs Grand Rapids, MI

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Grand Rapids, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,807/mo	$1,973/mo	↓ $833less	29.7%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,649/mo	↓ $126less	7.1%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,444/mo	↑ $63.99more	4.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$972/mo	↓ $57.53less	5.6%
Healthcare	$756/mo	$728/mo	↓ $27.87less	3.7%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$515/mo	↑ $6.58more	1.3%

Housing

↓ 29.7%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Difference

$833

less

Other

↓ 7.1%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Difference

$126

less

Transportation

↑ 4.6%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Difference

$63.99

Groceries

↓ 5.6%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Difference

$57.53

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Difference

$27.87

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.3%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Difference

$6.58

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Saint Paul, MN 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$1,000

To$1,334

↑ $334

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,375

↑ $175

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,652

↑ $152

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$2,134

↑ $34.00

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.

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$974

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Grand Rapids

$274K

Median Value

$288K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.2%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.6%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$229K - $481K

Homes in Grand Rapids are 5% more expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Grand Rapids

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$338

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Saint Paul, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.