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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $549/month more in Grand Rapids, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.6K in Grand Rapids, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
7.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$549
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$6.6K
Per year

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

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$145K

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K
Cost Index:
107
(7% above avg)
Median Home:$288K

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K 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: St. Louis, MO vs Grand Rapids, MI

Transportation
18.7%
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Grand Rapids, MI
$1,444
Difference
$228
more
Healthcare
38.2%
St. Louis, MO
$527
Grand Rapids, MI
$728
Difference
$201
more
Housing
5.5%
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Grand Rapids, MI
$1,973
Difference
$102
more
Other
2.6%
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Grand Rapids, MI
$1,649
Difference
$41.88
more
Groceries
2.4%
St. Louis, MO
$949
Grand Rapids, MI
$972
Difference
$22.41
more
All Utilities
3.9%
St. Louis, MO
$535
Grand Rapids, MI
$515
Difference
$20.74
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)
Net difference+$750/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$910
To$1,334
$424
1 Bed
From$950
To$1,375
$425
2 Bed
From$1,160
To$1,652
$492
3 Bed
From$1,490
To$2,134
$644
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $800$1,480/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.

$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$7,280
Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI
$575
Difference

Home Values

St. Louis
Grand Rapids
$145K
Median Value
$288K
↓ -0.8%
YoY Change
↑ +2.2%
↑ +10.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.6%
$38K - $302K
Price Range
$229K - $481K

Homes in Grand Rapids are 99% more expensive than St. Louis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.6K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$130
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.0%
Rate difference

St. Louis, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

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

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

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.

Environment

St. Louis
Grand Rapids
54 Moderate
Air Quality
43 Good
38%
Good Air Days
68.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
13 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
13 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Missouri and Michigan on TaxTakeHome.com

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