Performance
Score Breakdown
Biddeford
Grand Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grand Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
52% higher compared to Biddeford.
Housing costs are a major driver: Biddeford's average rent is
47% higher than Grand Rapids's.
| Metric | Biddeford | Grand Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,199 | $1,500 | +47% |
| Groceries | $426 | $650 | -34% |
| Utilities | $428 | $235 | +82% |
| Transport | $789 | $150 | +426% |
| Healthcare | $252 | $152 | +66% |
| Monthly Total | $4,094 | $2,687 | +52% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Biddeford offers 37% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Biddeford delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Biddeford is estimated at
$87,960 vs $41,000 in Grand Rapids.
| Metric | Biddeford | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $67,565 | $49,334 |
| Salary Needed | $87,960 | $41,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,381 idx | 51,931 idx |
| Household Income | $72,333 | $69,108 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Biddeford | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grand Rapids has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Biddeford.
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 | Biddeford | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grand Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Biddeford.
From a growth perspective, Grand Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Biddeford has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Biddeford | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,932 | 201,357 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.09% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 32.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 3.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Biddeford
Advantages
Vibrant downtown with revitalized historic mill buildings and cultural attractions.
Lower unemployment rate (3% in May 2026) compared to the national average.
Strong presence of top industries like Education and Health Care and Social Services providing job opportunities.
Relatively young median age (35.0 years) contributing to a dynamic community.
Access to a full-service hospital, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, within the city.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average (22% higher in 2026).
Highest violent crime rate in Maine (313.8 per 100K in 2024) and overall crime rate 26% higher than national average.
Housing costs are notably high, with average apartment rent at $2,199/month in July 2026.
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options.
Long-term care costs, such as assisted living and nursing homes, are considerably higher than national averages.
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.
Biddeford
#85Maine, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,199
Avg Salary
$67,565
Cost Index
122
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
68
Grand Rapids
#21Michigan, 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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