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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

Raleigh is 39% more expensive than Grand Rapids.

$1,468/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↓ 19%
$82,424/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↓ 21%
$377,800 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$225,500 ↓ 40%
$1,487/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 24%
470,763
Population
197,768

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $16,898/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $16,898/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Grand Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Grand Rapids

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami 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