Median rent is 28% lower in Grand Rapids ($1,191/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Grand Rapids, where the median home runs $225,500 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $65,526 a year). Taken together, Grand Rapids is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Grand Rapids is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Grand Rapids vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Grand Rapids, MI
How much would you need to earn in Grand Rapids, MI to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Grand Rapids, MI
$71,428
You could earn $3,572 less (5% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Grand Rapids
Michigan
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Grand Rapids — median rent of $1,191/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $225,500 in Grand Rapids — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Michigan tops out at 4.25% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Michigan; Grand Rapids has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Grand Rapids
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Grand Rapids has cleaner air on average: 34.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Grand Rapids if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Grand Rapids if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,191/mo median).
Pick Grand Rapids if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 34.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Grand Rapids.
How much is rent in Austin vs Grand Rapids?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,191/mo in Grand Rapids, MI. Grand Rapids, MI has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $65,526 in Grand Rapids, MI. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Grand Rapids, MI has better air quality on average: 34.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Grand Rapids?
Texas has no state income tax. Michigan has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,237 in Grand Rapids, MI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology