Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Grand Rapids is 30% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,191/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 21%
$65,526/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,537/yr ≈ Same
$225,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 31%
$1,136/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 14%
197,768
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $11/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Springfield — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Springfield?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Springfield?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $11/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Springfield

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 Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces