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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Grand Rapids or is it cheaper to live in Philadelphia?
- Grand Rapids is 9.4% less expensive than Philadelphia.

Which city has more affordable housing, Grand Rapids or Philadelphia?
- Grand Rapids housing costs are 3.0% more expensive than Philadelphia housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Philadelphia or is Health Care more affordable in Grand Rapids.
- Health related expenses are 20.5% less in Grand Rapids.
 Philadelphia, PAGrand Rapids, MIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.5100
 Food & Groceries102.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock81.2100
 Housing75.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$247,900$338,100
 Utilities108  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock95.1100
 Miscellaneous109.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Philadelphia    139 Reviews

Philadelphia is a very walkable and fun city to explore (albeit be aware of where not to explore at least at night). The city has beautiful old architecture , great  More

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I’m originally from New York City, then lived in a small city in upstate New York for eight years, then moved down to Philadelphia and have lived here for many years.  More

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Now the only reason some people disagree is because MONEY. If you live in “manayunk” (which I lived for 2 years) you can’t compare … you can’t compare your out skirt  More

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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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