Grand Rapids, MI Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Grand Rapids, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

198,096
Population
$61,634
Median household income
-15% vs tracked median
$203,900
Median home value
-38% vs tracked median
$1,138/mo
Median rent
-19% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to roughly 198,096 residents. The typical household earns $61,634 per year — below the median across cities we track (-15%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $203,900 (below the multi-city median at -38%), while renters pay a median of $1,138 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Grand Rapids

Median home value is $203,900 and median gross rent is $1,138/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Grand Rapids.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Grand Rapids

Planning a move to Grand Rapids? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI?
In Grand Rapids, the median home value is $203,900 and median rent is $1,138 per month, against a median household income of $61,634. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Grand Rapids?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,138/month, that implies an income of about $45,520 to keep housing affordable in Grand Rapids.
Is it better to rent or buy in Grand Rapids?
With a median home value of $203,900 and median rent of $1,138/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Grand Rapids depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Grand Rapids to similar cities