Median rent is 1% lower in Grand Rapids ($1,191/mo vs $1,205/mo). Buying is cheaper in Grand Rapids, where the median home runs $225,500 versus $249,000. Households earn more in Kentwood ($73,647 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
Kentwood, MI
How much would you need to earn in Kentwood, MI to maintain your standard of living from Grand Rapids, MI?
Equivalent salary in Kentwood, MI
$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
Kentwood
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,191/mo in Grand Rapids and $1,205/mo in Kentwood. Median home values are within 9% of each other: $225,500 in Grand Rapids and $249,000 in Kentwood.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 4.25% in Michigan, so Kentwood is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 6.00% in Michigan; Kentwood has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Grand Rapids
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Kentwood
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Grand Rapids (avg AQI 34.0) but not yet for Kentwood.
Pick Kentwood if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,647/yr).
Is Grand Rapids cheaper than Kentwood?
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 Kentwood?
Median rent is $1,191/mo in Grand Rapids, MI and $1,205/mo in Kentwood, MI. Grand Rapids, MI has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Grand Rapids or Kentwood?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids, MI and $73,647 in Kentwood, MI. Kentwood, MI 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 Kentwood?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Kentwood, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Kentwood 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 Kentwood, 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