2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Rapids, MI vs East Lansing, MI

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Highlights
Are people in East Lansing older or younger than people in Grand Rapids?
- The Median Age in East Lansing is 10.1 years younger than in Grand Rapids.

Are housing costs cheaper in East Lansing or Grand Rapids?
- East Lansing housing costs are 6.5% more expensive than Grand Rapids housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, East Lansing or Grand Rapids?
- The average commute for residents of East Lansing is 3.7 minutes shorter 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 East Lansing?
East Lansing MI sits adjacent to Michigan State University’s sprawling campus making it an ideal place for students attending one largest universities in the country boasting more than 50 thousand undergraduate students alone giving East Lansing an estimated 48 thousand permanent residents that call it home throughout the year. Despite its mostly college atmosphere there are plenty more options available ranging from residential housing all around the area perfect suburban settings or urban apartments right on MSU campus itself allowing those to explore different lifestyle choices depending on preferences or budget limitations if any were present at all!

 Grand Rapids, MIEast Lansing, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock47,427329,725,481
 Median Income$55,385  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock21.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.7%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 East Lansing    4 Reviews

East Lansing is a wonderful, lively, youthful college town that has gotten better over time. You feel the strong Spartan Spirit everywhere as students, alumni and locals  More

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East Lansing is noted for being the home of one of the first Land Grant colleges -- Michigan State University. MSU has an large campus with an enormous area of land  More

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Over 17 years ago

East Lansing is a very pretty town. The town has had frequent problems with student rioters. Overall 60% of the town is composed of students. I would recommend East  More

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