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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

Milwaukee is 15% cheaper than Grand Rapids.

$1,033/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↑ 15%
$51,888/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↑ 26%
$172,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$225,500 ↑ 31%
$1,082/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 5%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $13,638/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $13,638/year higher in Grand Rapids.
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 Milwaukee or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
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More Comparisons

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