2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Milwaukee, WI vs Grand Rapids, MI

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Grand Rapids or is it cheaper to live in Milwaukee?
- Grand Rapids is 7.4% more expensive than Milwaukee.

Which city has more affordable housing, Grand Rapids or Milwaukee?
- Grand Rapids housing costs are 40.4% more expensive than Milwaukee housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Milwaukee or is Health Care more affordable in Grand Rapids.
- Health related expenses are 12.9% less in Grand Rapids.
 Milwaukee, WIGrand Rapids, MIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.5100
 Food & Groceries92.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock81.2100
 Housing55.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$247,900$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock95.1100
 Miscellaneous119.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Milwaukee    110 Reviews

I have lived in Milwaukee for about 5 years. I really like the area, but I also plan on moving away soon. It is a unique city that has its charm though. Here is my  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

I've gone to Milwaukee many times for vacation, and it is a beautiful city with great lakeside views and beaches, stunning river walks, and of course the delicous cheese  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Pretty decent city with some things to offer although crime is on the rise and segregation is out of control by race and income  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Milwaukee

Reviews for Grand Rapids    62 Reviews

I've lived in Grand Rapids about 85% of my life and can confidently say it is a great place to live for anyone. I know countless people who dogged the city, moved  More

   |    Reply

Grand Rapids proper - the small city - is fairly OK. Nothing special stands out about it when judged against the nicer areas of the US, but it has some decent dining and  More

   |    Reply

Wow. “bland Rapids and everyone is Smug, uptight and part of the Christian Reformed Church. “ Someone is accurately describing Grand Rapids in 1985. Much has changed  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Grand Rapids


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.