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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Alpena or is it cheaper to live in Grand Rapids?
- Alpena is 22.2% less expensive than Grand Rapids.

Which city has more affordable housing, Alpena or Grand Rapids?
- Alpena housing costs are 51.7% less expensive than Grand Rapids housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Grand Rapids or is Health Care more affordable in Alpena.
- Health related expenses are 11.9% more in Alpena.
 Grand Rapids, MIAlpena, MIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock73.5100
 Food & Groceries95.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock90.9100
 Housing78.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$142,600$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.1100
 Miscellaneous100.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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

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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

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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

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Reviews for Alpena    5 Reviews

One of the ten best places to visit in Michigan. I was born and raised in Michigan but now live in Seattle. I get back to Michigan frequently because my brother  More

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Over 12 years ago

Alpena is 740 ft above sea leval and gets 72 in. of snow every year. That's a good thing and Alpena is a winter wonderland for me . Clean and crisp with the lake frozen  More

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Alpena is a town for all ages, with plenty to do, more than one person could attend. I think the events are varied and offer something for everyone. The town is  More

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