The average cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI is $1,845.09 per month.
Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in the state of Michigan. It is a city on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan. The Grand River also functions as a major state waterway that runs through the city’s center. Grand Rapids is also known for its culinary arts and craft beers.
The region is home to a “Beer City Ale Trail” of 30-plus craft breweries, including one of the world’s best breweries, Founders Brewing Company, and America’s best brewpub, HopCat. Grand Rapids holds a lot of nature and allows plenty of time to get in more golf, fishing, biking, and hiking into your recess activities.
The cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI, is generally cheaper than the national average, meaning that it’s one of the affordable places the country has to offer. Before moving to Michigan, here are more details on the living costs in Grand Rapids.
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including The Rapid and City of Grand Rapids, MI. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MI – 2024
Housing costs in Grand Rapids, MI
Cost of rent in Grand Rapids, MI, CA
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Grand Rapids, MI (Outside of Center) |
$1,200.00 |
$2,400.00 |
Cost of buying a property in Grand Rapids, MI
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Grand Rapids, MI |
$268,092 |
Utility costs in Grand Rapids, MI: Internet, electricity and water
The Energy, Lighting, and Communications (ELC) Department provides power to Grand Rapids from the Coldbrook substation. Power is sourced from Michigan Consumers Energy and used to power buildings, streetlights, traffic lights, parks, fire stations and more.
In Grand Rapids, MI, the residential electricity rate is 15.4% higher than the national average, which is 11.88¢/kWh. Residential rates across the U.S. vary from 8.37¢/kWh to 37.34¢/kWh.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$133.84 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$59.88 |
|
Total |
$193.72 |
Electricity Local (Oct 2023) & Numbeo (Oct 2023)
Ad
Grocery costs in Grand Rapids, MI
Eating in Grand Rapids is quite affordable when compared to the national average. Grocery costs in Grand Rapids, MI, vary depending on diet and family size. The city is also blessed with several neighborhood supermarkets, so you do not have to go too far to shop for groceries.
A single person in Grand Rapids, MI may spend around $245.12 monthly on groceries.
|
Grocery items in Grand Rapids, MI |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$3.18 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$2.83 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.63 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$3.17 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$5.66 |
|
Chicken Filets (1 lb) |
$4.49 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$6.66 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$4.66 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.58 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$2.75 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.47 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$0.88 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.34 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$2.61 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$12.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$1.73 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$3.64 |
Public transit in Grand Rapids, MI
Residents of Grand Rapids can ride The Rapid to and from the metro area and beyond. Beyond its fixed routes, The Rapid also offers demand response services for people with special abilities, as well as carpooling programs for those living outside the fixed-route service area.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket |
$3.50 |
|
Monthly pass |
$47.00 |
Entertainment costs in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city. And for a city of its size, you can expect a lot of fun places and activities. The exciting places to visit in Grand Rapids range from historical sites like the Meyer May House to malls like RiverTown Crossings. In addition, entertainment costs in Grand Rapids, MI, can range from free to affordable, depending on what you decide to do.
|
Entertainment in Grand Rapids, MI |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$28.75 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$25.00 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$12.00 |
|
Total |
$65.75 |
Sales tax in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a 6.00% sales tax, which matches the state sales tax rate. Unlike some other states, Michigan doesn’t allow localities to impose additional sales taxes
City of Grand Rapids, MI (Oct 2023)
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids, MI
Michigan follows the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), which no longer mandates health insurance for U.S. citizens. While the Personal Responsibility Payment for the uninsured or underinsured no longer applies, having health insurance remains essential to guard against significant out-of-pocket medical costs.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$134.5 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$518.33 |
|
Gym |
$93.50 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
Conclusion
Grand Rapids offers a stable and friendly living environment with affordable housing, cheap healthcare, great outdoor recreation, a budding art scene, excellent food and beer, and a low tax rate. This city offers big-city amenities while keeping its small-town affordability and charm.
It is also one of the best places to work with top employers like Steelcase and Herman Miller, which have earned the city the nickname “Furniture City.” All this and more are enough reasons to choose to move to Michigan.
Are you planning to move to Grand Rapids, MI, soon? Make your move easier by hiring one of the best moving companies in Grand Rapids, MI. Save yourself from the hassle or all the heavy lifting and decide to move in comfort.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,200.00 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($57.78 multiplied by 4) |
$245.12 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$133.84 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$59.88 |
|
Transit pass |
$47.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$65.75 |
|
Gym membership |
$93.50 |
|
Total |
$1,845.09 |
