Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Grand Rapids is 44% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,191/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 47%
$65,526/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 31%
$225,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 143%
$1,136/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 52%
197,768
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $20,263/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Lakewood?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Lakewood?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $20,263/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Colorado?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Lakewood

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 Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield