Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

Madison is 30% more expensive than Grand Rapids.

$1,364/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↓ 13%
$76,983/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↓ 15%
$346,900 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$225,500 ↓ 35%
$1,476/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 23%
275,568
Population
197,768

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $11,457/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is Madison or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $11,457/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Grand Rapids details →

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