Performance
Score Breakdown
Grand Rapids
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grand Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Grand Rapids's average rent is
17% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $1,800 | -17% |
| Groceries | $650 | $552 | +18% |
| Utilities | $235 | $294 | -20% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $152 | $250 | -39% |
| Monthly Total | $2,687 | $3,016 | -11% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 100 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 24% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa 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 $70,000 in Tampa.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $49,334 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $41,000 | $70,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,931 idx | 65,000 idx |
| Household Income | $69,108 | $84,114 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grand Rapids has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
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 | Grand Rapids | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 31.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.00 | 55.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Grand Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Tampa 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 | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,357 | 419,635 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | 1.47% |
| Median Age | 32.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.80% |
| 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.
Tampa
Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Tampa
#9Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
31.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.47%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
75
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