Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Grand Rapids is 15% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,191/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 10%
$65,526/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 34%
$225,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 27%
$1,136/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 17%
197,768
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $22,241/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Rochester — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Rochester?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Rochester?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $22,241/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Minnesota?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Rochester details →

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