Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Grand Rapids is 10% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,191/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 13%
$65,526/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 3%
$225,500 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 4%
$1,136/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 19%
197,768
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $2,232/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Grand Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Hampton — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Hampton?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Hampton?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $2,232/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Virginia?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Hampton

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 Hampton vs. West Valley City Hampton vs. Cedar Rapids Hampton vs. Columbia Hampton vs. Dayton Hampton vs. Warren Hampton vs. Pasadena