2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Rapids, MI vs Birmingham, AL

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Highlights
Are people in Birmingham older or younger than people in Grand Rapids?
- The Median Age in Birmingham is 4.7 years older than in Grand Rapids.

Are housing costs cheaper in Birmingham or Grand Rapids?
- Birmingham housing costs are 59.1% less expensive than Grand Rapids housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Birmingham or Grand Rapids?
- The average commute for residents of Birmingham is 2.2 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 Birmingham?
Birmingham, Alabama is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. History buffs can explore the 16th Street Baptist Church, which was the site of a civil rights movement protest bombing in 1963, and visit sites like Kelly Ingram Park to learn more about the city's past. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Red Mountain Park and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, while sports fans can cheer on their favorite team at Regions Field. Foodies can try all kinds of delicious eats throughout the city, and shoppers should take advantage of good deals at The Summit or Riverchase Galleria malls. With its rich history and wide selection of activities, Birmingham is an exciting place to visit!

 Grand Rapids, MIBirmingham, ALUnited States
 Population  Unlock202,234329,725,481
 Median Income$55,385  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%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 Birmingham    25 Reviews

Birmingham is better than ever, meaning it is beginning to gain half of the stuff a normal city of its size has. The food scene is definitely an exception and is above  More

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Lived in the Birmingham for years. The small city was divided by the historical train tracks into the north half and the south one. The north section was the  More

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Over 5 years ago

I moved to Birmingham 6.5 years ago for a new job. The city is very boring in my opinion, there isn't much to do over the weekend except shopping or eating out. Summer  More

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