Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

St. Louis is 16% cheaper than Grand Rapids.

$978/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↑ 22%
$55,279/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↑ 19%
$185,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$225,500 ↑ 22%
$1,013/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 12%
293,109
Population
197,768

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $10,247/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is St. Louis or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $10,247/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Michigan?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Grand Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Grand Rapids

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