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Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI

Cost of living in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kent County, MI

Part of the Grand Rapids Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,281/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 658,844 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,209 37%
Federal tax $550 17%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $326 10%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $191 6%
State tax $155 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Grand Rapids

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,163
per month
1 bedroom
$1,209
per month
2 bedroom
$1,443
per month
3 bedroom
$1,880
per month
4 bedroom
$2,057
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Grand Rapids

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$80,390
per year
Individual earnings
$43,664
per year
Per capita
$41,504
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Grand Rapids

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$265,700
Annual property tax
$3,028

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Grand Rapids

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$128
per month · 19.7¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,292
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Grand Rapids

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.9%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Grand Rapids

State and local tax rates for Michigan.

State income tax
4.3%
Flat rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Grand Rapids

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
21.1 min
Drive alone
74.5%
Public transit
1.6%
Work from home
12.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Grand Rapids

What it costs to live in Grand Rapids each month.

Single person
$3,281
per month
  • Rent $1,209
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $550
  • State tax $155
Couple
$4,827
per month
  • Rent $1,443
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $986
  • State tax $285
Family
$7,397
per month
  • Rent $1,880
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $986
  • State tax $285

Frequently asked questions about Grand Rapids

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Grand Rapids?

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,209 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,443 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,880 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Grand Rapids?

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the average household income is $80,390 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $43,664 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids?

The estimated cost of living in Grand Rapids, Michigan is approximately $3,281 per month for a single person, $4,827 for a couple, $7,397 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Grand Rapids?

The combined sales tax rate in Grand Rapids, Michigan is 6.00%, which includes the Michigan state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Grand Rapids an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Grand Rapids, Michigan would need approximately $3,281 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $80,390 per year ($6,699 per month). Grand Rapids is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Grand Rapids?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Grand Rapids, Michigan is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Grand Rapids?

The average home value in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $265,700, with average annual property taxes of $3,028, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Grand Rapids compare to other areas?

You can compare Grand Rapids, Michigan with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Grand Rapids is in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area.

Other counties in Michigan

Browse the full list of counties in Michigan, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Michigan

Compare Grand Rapids with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources