Median rent is 35% lower in Grand Rapids ($1,191/mo vs $1,833/mo). Buying is cheaper in Grand Rapids, where the median home runs $225,500 versus $537,500. Households earn more in Kent ($90,416 vs $65,526 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (94.1).
City A
Grand Rapids, MI
City B
Kent, WA
How much would you need to earn in Kent, WA to maintain your standard of living from Grand Rapids, MI?
Equivalent salary in Kent, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Grand Rapids
Michigan
Kent
Washington
👥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 $1,833/mo in Kent, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Kent: the median home is $537,500 versus $225,500 in Grand Rapids — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Michigan tops out at 4.25% — giving Kent a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 6.50% in Washington; Grand Rapids has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Grand Rapids
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Kent
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Grand Rapids (avg AQI 34.0) but not yet for Kent.
Pick Kent if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,416/yr).
Pick Grand Rapids if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,191/mo median).
Pick Kent if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Grand Rapids cheaper than Kent?
Grand Rapids is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 94.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Grand Rapids.
How much is rent in Grand Rapids vs Kent?
Median rent is $1,191/mo in Grand Rapids, MI and $1,833/mo in Kent, WA. Grand Rapids, MI has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Grand Rapids or Kent?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids, MI and $90,416 in Kent, WA. Kent, WA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Grand Rapids or Kent?
Washington has no state income tax. Michigan has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in Kent to match my Grand Rapids income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Grand Rapids, MI is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Kent, WA (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