Cost of living -

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Grand Rapids, MI?

What is the average cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI, is $1929 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. Here are more details on the living costs in Grand Rapids.

Cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI - 2023

Housing Cost in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids has a unique housing market. Unlike many other states, it experiences a high level of demand which slightly outweighs the number of houses. This high demand forces interest rates and housing costs in Grand Rapids. MI to dip, thereby favoring the buyers in the market. Although the demand also signals a rise in the growth potential of real estate, with room for developers to build more affordable homes to meet the demands. On average, it costs around $230,000 to get a house in Grand Rapids, MI. apartments in the city are also affordable. The average cost of rent in Grand Rapids for a 1-bedroom is $1238, and a 3-bedroom is $1900.

What is the average home price in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The median home price in Grand Rapids, MI, is $230 000 per month.

What is the average rent in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average rent in Grand Rapids, MI, is $1238 per month for a 1-bed apartment.

Average Cost of Utilities

Electricity Costs in Grand Rapids, MI

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. On average, residents in Grand Rapids, MI, consume 676 kWh/month, about 25% less than the national average. Below is a table of what it costs to get electricity in Grand Rapids, MI.

Company 

Rate per kWh

ELC/Consumers Energy

0.161/kWh

How much does electricity cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average cost of electricity in Grand Rapids, MI, is $109 per month.

Internet Costs in Grand Rapids, MI

There are quite a few internet providers in Grand Rapids. All of which offer at least one type of internet connection. Your internet costs in Grand Rapids, MI, are dependent on the internet provider you choose, the internet type (Fiber or Satellite), and your preferred plan. Below is a chart that shows the average cost of internet depending on the type of internet connection.

Home Services

Type of Internet Connection

Mbps (speed)

Cost 

Fiber

50

$45

Satellite Internet

25

$60

How much does internet cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In Grand Rapids, MI, internet costs on average $53 per month.

(*AT&T & All Connect)

Cost of Public Transport in Grand Rapids, MI

Here’s an overview of what transportation costs in Grand Rapids, MI

How much does the Grand Rapids Wave Card cost?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Grand Rapids Wave Card costs a $47 for 30 days.

The Rapid Fares

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. Here’s a summary of what it costs to ride the Rapid.

Type of pass/ticket

Fare

Adult

$3.50

Youth

$2.50

Partner

$2.50

Reduced Fare

$2.25

30-Day Fare

Adult: $47.00

Youth: $33.75

(*Ride the Rapid)

Entertaiment 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 River Town Crossings. In addition, entertainment costs in Grand Rapids, MI, can range from free to affordable, depending on what you decide to do.

Type of activity 

Cost per month

Meal for 1 person at a mid-range restaurant + domestic 2 beers

$21

Gym membership 

$35

Movie theatre ticket

$12

(*Numbeo)

How much does entertainment cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In Grand Rapids, MI, it costs $68 per month for entertainment.

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. Below is an average of 2 weeks’ worth of grocery costs in Grand Rapids, MI.

Food

Cost

Milk

$5.94

Loaf of bread

$3.48

Rice

$3.44

Eggs

$3.34

Local Cheese

$12.34

Chicken

$6.10

Beef 

$11.54

Fruits and Vegetables

$22.84

Beverages

$50.98

Total

$120 ($240 for 1 month)

(*Numbeo)

How much do groceries cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In Grand Rapids, MI, groceries cost $240 per person per month.

Healthcare Costs in Grand Rapids, MI

Today, healthcare and health insurance are a necessity in all families. In Grand Rapids, individuals, firms, and the government play specific roles in ensuring everyone is adequately covered. The state of Michigan has one of the lowest healthcare costs in the country, with an average benchmark premium of $347 per month, compared to the national average of $452. Employers are also required to provide coverage for their employees. The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), Michigan, says that if an employer fails to provide employees with affordable coverage (at least 50%), it may be subject to a tax penalty.

What is the average cost of health insurance per month in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average cost of health insurance per month in Grand Rapids, MI, is $174.

Taxes in Grand Rapids, MI

Michigan’s state constitution protects homeowners from significant increases in property taxes. In Michigan, the constitutional limit to increasing taxable value is 5% or the inflation level, depending on which is lower. Sales tax in Grand Rapids is 6%, and it’s paid directly to the state. There is no applicable county tax, city tax or special tax.

What is the sales tax in Grand Rapids, MI?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The sales tax in Grand Rapids, MI, is 6%.

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. Grand Rapids 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.” Grand Rapids also offers some of the best beaches in America on Lake Michigan, located about an hour drive from the city. All this and more are enough reasons to choose to move to Michigan. When you are moving, be sure to hire one of the best moving companies in the city to make your transition as smooth as possible.

 

Average Monthly Cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI

Illustrations-Mes changements d’adresse (1)

Category

Description

Cost

Housing

Average rent price for a 1 bedroom

$1238

Electricity

ELC/Consumers Energy

$109

Internet

Cable internet

$53

Transportation

30-Day Fare/Adult

$47

Entertainment

Restaurant, movie & gym

$68

Groceries

Fresh produce & refrigerated items X2

$240

Health Insurance

Through employer

$174

Total

Sum

$1929

Note: If you are sharing cost with someone, it will be significantly lower. Also, if you are budgeting for a family, you’ll need to add the cost of each family member.

This is an approximation. Price will vary.

Special Mention!

Moving is often synonymous of stress, long administrative tasks and a significant waste of time and money. MovingWaldo helps you solve all these problems in just a few clicks! After some shameless self-promotion, we invite you to discover our free moving tools available to all.

  • Update accounts
  • Connect Internet, TV and Phone.
  • Secure home and auto insurance
  • Find resources, checklists and more.

We bring together more than 700 organizations across Canada with a single and simplified form.

Share this article on social media

Relevant for your move

Moving tips
Everything You Need to Know about Moving a Piano

Pianos add such beauty to a home, whether or not they’re used much! But, as anyone who has ever tried to move one knows, moving one isn’t for the faint-hearted! It is certainly an arduous tasking, requiring thorough preparation and manpower. Because of the unique skills involved in moving a piano, there exists a niche moving market where professionals are there to give you a hand solely in moving your beautiful instrument.

Read more »
Community post
How to load your moving truck or trailer?

If you’re moving, one of steps will be packing your belongings into the vehicle you’ve rented. Loading your vehicle right takes proper planning. This article covers some key things to keep in mind when loading your trailer or truck to make sure your move goes off without a hitch.

Read more »

Find a mover

Easily compare multiple quotes

Organize your move

Guided through a checklist

Internet packages

Get up to speed on the new deals

Address change

Update your address in a few clicks

Join the network

Become a trusted vendor in your service area

For agents and brokers

MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks

What is MovingWaldo?

We guide millions of families through each step of their moving process, helping them save time and money, and making sure nothing gets left behind.

Trouver un déménageur

Comparez plusieurs devis

Organisez votre déménagement

Guidé à travers une checklist

Changement d’adresse

Mettez à jour votre adresse en quelques clics

Forfaits internet

Soyez au courant des nouvelles offres internet à domicile

Rejoignez le réseau

Devenez un fournisseur de confiance pour desservir votre région

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Prolongez la relation avec vos clients grâce à votre propre plateforme de déménagement personnalisé

Qu'est-ce que MovingWaldo ?

MovingWaldo est un guichet unique qui simplifie la planification du déménagement

You are now leaving the MovingWaldo shop

Talk to our experts about your moving project.

Great ! Expect a call shortly. Our moving expert are available during business hours, Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM EST.

Promo code

Enter your promo code and update your cart.

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox