Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

St. Paul is 15% more expensive than Grand Rapids.

$1,248/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↓ 5%
$73,055/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↓ 10%
$280,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$225,500 ↓ 20%
$1,390/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 18%
307,762
Population
197,768

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Grand Rapids, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $7,529/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 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. Paul vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $7,529/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Michigan?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Grand Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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

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