Performance
Score Breakdown
Airdrie
Grand Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grand Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% higher compared to Airdrie.
Housing costs are a major driver: Airdrie's average rent is
23% higher than Grand Rapids's.
| Metric | Airdrie | Grand Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,840 | $1,500 | +23% |
| Groceries | $529 | $650 | -19% |
| Utilities | $196 | $235 | -17% |
| Transport | $256 | $150 | +71% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $152 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,821 | $2,687 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grand Rapids offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grand Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Airdrie is estimated at
$64,499 vs $41,000 in Grand Rapids.
| Metric | Airdrie | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,126 | $49,334 |
| Salary Needed | $64,499 | $41,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 41,072 idx | 51,931 idx |
| Household Income | $86,525 | $69,108 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Airdrie | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 48.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Airdrie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,500 minutes (158 hours) per year compared to Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Grand Rapids leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Airdrie | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grand Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Airdrie.
From a growth perspective, Airdrie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Airdrie | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,070 | 201,357 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 0.09% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 32.3 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 3.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Airdrie
Advantages
Airdrie is experiencing rapid population growth, making it the fastest-growing city in Alberta.
The city has a lower Crime Severity Index (43.2 in 2024) compared to the provincial average (95.6).
Housing in Airdrie is generally more affordable than in nearby Calgary, offering more space for the money.
Residents benefit from a high quality of life, characterized by a friendly atmosphere, excellent amenities, and family-friendly communities.
Airdrie's strategic location provides easy access to Calgary's extensive amenities and major transportation routes.
Drawbacks
Specific crime categories, such as motor vehicle theft and theft under $5,000, saw increases of 20% and 19% respectively in 2025.
Domestic violence incidents in Airdrie increased by eight percent year-over-year in 2025.
Public transit fares have been increasing, with further adjustments expected.
Businesses in Airdrie face challenges due to limited commercial space and rising leasing costs.
Employers report difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled staff, particularly in hospitality, trades, and healthcare sectors.
Grand Rapids
Advantages
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is approximately 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Grand Rapids boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors, with a projected job growth rate of 0.2% in 2026.
The city has a relatively young median age of 32.3 years, contributing to a dynamic and energetic community.
Grand Rapids was ranked among the best cities in the country for starting a career in May 2026, indicating a strong entrepreneurial and professional environment.
The presence of major healthcare institutions like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital ensures high-quality medical care and a significant number of facilities.
Drawbacks
Grand Rapids has a higher crime rate compared to most communities in Michigan, with a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime.
While overall cost of living is lower, healthcare costs in Grand Rapids are about 4.1% higher than the national average.
The city's unemployment rate, at 3.6% in April 2026, is slightly above the national average of 4.198%.
Despite efforts to improve, public transit options and walkability scores are not exceptionally high, suggesting a medium car dependency for residents.
The housing market is competitive, with homes selling quickly and median prices increasing by 3.4% year-over-year as of May 2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Airdrie
#1Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,840
Avg Salary
$43,126
Cost Index
105
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.50%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
80
Business
70
Grand Rapids
#9Michigan, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$49,334
Cost Index
95
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
70
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