Performance
Score Breakdown
Grand Rapids
St. Louis
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
St. Louis is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Grand Rapids.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | St. Louis | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $1,439 | +4% |
| Groceries | $650 | $385 | +69% |
| Utilities | $235 | $195 | +21% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $152 | $250 | -39% |
| Monthly Total | $2,687 | $2,389 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grand Rapids offers 10% higher 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 Grand Rapids is estimated at
$41,000 vs $55,000 in St. Louis.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $49,334 | $45,000 |
| Salary Needed | $41,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,931 idx | 50,562 idx |
| Household Income | $69,108 | $56,160 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grand Rapids has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to St. Louis.
St. Louis scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.00 | 25.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
St. Louis is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Grand Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Grand Rapids 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 | Grand Rapids | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,357 | 273,179 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | % |
| Median Age | 32.3 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
St. Louis
Advantages
The average rent in St. Louis is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Housing costs, including median home prices, are considerably below the national average.
St. Louis offers numerous free cultural attractions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Gateway Arch grounds.
The city has a strong presence of major academic health systems and a well-established medical corridor, contributing to quality healthcare.
Investments are being made in improving bike infrastructure, including new protected bike lanes and greenways.
Drawbacks
St. Louis city has experienced a declining population, with an estimated annual decrease of -1.79% in 2026.
The city has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime, which is significantly above the national average.
Summers in St. Louis are characterized by intense heat and high humidity.
A high percentage of city residents (21.7%) live below the poverty line, indicating significant economic disparities.
St. Louis exhibits high car dependency, with nearly 90% of commuters using a car for work or school.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
St. Louis
#85Missouri, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,439
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
60
Business
68
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