Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Denton, TX (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Grand Rapids is 21% cheaper than Denton.

$1,191/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 13%
$65,526/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 13%
$225,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 44%
$1,136/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 29%
197,768
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $8,193/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Denton — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Denton?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Denton?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $8,193/year higher in Denton.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Denton

Grand Rapids vs. Montgomery Grand Rapids vs. Sioux Falls Grand Rapids vs. Grand Prairie Grand Rapids vs. Overland Park Grand Rapids vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Rapids vs. Huntington Beach Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe