Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Grand Rapids is 21% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,191/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 10%
$65,526/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 2%
$225,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 55%
$1,136/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 21%
197,768
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $1,626/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Wilmington?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $1,626/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and North Carolina?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Grand Rapids details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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