2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Rapids, MI vs Bay City, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Bay City older or younger than people in Grand Rapids?
- The Median Age in Bay City is 7.5 years older than in Grand Rapids.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bay City or Grand Rapids?
- Bay City housing costs are 62.6% less expensive than Grand Rapids housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bay City or Grand Rapids?
- The average commute for residents of Bay City is 0.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Grand Rapids.

Things to do in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the banks of the Grand River or take a walk through one of the city's beautiful parks. History buffs should check out sites like the Gerald R. Ford Museum to learn more about Grand Rapids' past. Sports fans can catch a game at DeVos Place, while foodies can sample all kinds of delicious eats throughout town. Shopping lovers should head to The Shops at Centerpointe or Woodland Mall for good deals on all kinds of items. With its lively atmosphere and exciting activities, Grand Rapids is an amazing destination!

Things to do in Bay City?
Bay City MI rests near Saginaw Valley known mostly for its historic riverfront district packed with shops & restaurants alongside several Victorian style houses giving visitors an authentic glimpse into Michigan’s past.

 Grand Rapids, MIBay City, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock32,824329,725,481
 Median Income$55,385  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3938.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.35  Unlock26.38
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 Bay City    7 Reviews

Bay City offers low prices for homes due to lower population (Current lower demand). Years ago, the population was more than 3x as big due to big lumber industry, etc.  More

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But everything else is going to  More

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There are many pros to Bay City, it is incredibly cheap to live in and most everything is very affordable. The problem is that the economy is terrible and there aren't  More

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