Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI CoL Index: 109.8 (9.8% above US avg) Local Tax: 1.50% Median wage −6.7% vs US ● 2026 Labor Economics

Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Metropolitan Wage Intelligence

Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology

Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has a cost-of-living index of 109.8 (9.8% above the national average), HUD fair market rent of $1,365 for a 1-bedroom unit, and a single-adult living wage of $24.28/hour. This dossier benchmarks 62 occupations against Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI wage percentiles, led by Chief Executives at $248,660 median.

All-Occupation Median (BLS)
$47,570 / yr
$22.87 / hour
HUD Fair Market Rent
$1,365 / mo (1BR)
$1,630 / mo (2BR)
Living Wage Benchmark
$24.28 / hr
$20.98/hr per adult (2 working adults + 1 child)
Local Municipal Tax
1.50%
Rent: 34.4% of Median

HUD Fair Market Rents & Family Expenditure Benchmarks

Official Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with living wage targets.

Housing Affordability Ratio 2.9x Coverage
Studio / Efficiency
$1,306 $15,672 / year
1-Bedroom Unit
$1,365 $16,380 / year
2-Bedroom Family
$1,630 $19,560 / year
3-Bedroom Residence
$2,113 $25,356 / year
Living Wage & Self-Sufficiency Standards (EPI model)

In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan statistical area, a single working adult needs an estimated $24.28/hour ($50,502/year) to cover basic expenditures, while two working adults supporting one child each need about $20.98/hour.

Annual Living Wage (Single) $50,502 / yr

Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights

Breakdown of median earnings, workforce scale, and premier occupations across major economic sectors.

Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix

Localized median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and purchasing power across all tracked careers.

Occupation Title & Category Metro Median Salary Hourly Rate vs National Avg CoL Adjusted Real Wage Explore

Peer Metropolitan Market Comparisons

Side-by-side BLS median wages, housing rent benchmarks, and municipal tax rates across key regional competitors.

Metropolitan Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median salary in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area in 2026?

The BLS median wage across all occupations in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $47,570 per year ($22.87/hour), −6.7% vs US (BLS OEWS May 2025).

What are the HUD Fair Market Rents in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, a 1-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI costs $1,365/month and a 2-bedroom $1,630/month. The metro's median wage covers annual 1BR rent 2.9x over.

What local municipal taxes apply to workers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?

Workers residing or performing services within Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI are subject to a local municipal income tax of 1.50%, in addition to statutory state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA withholdings.

What is the living wage required in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI for single adults and families?

Based on the EPI Family Budget Calculator, a single working adult in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI needs about $24.28/hour ($50,502/year) to cover basic expenses. Two working adults supporting one child each need about $20.98/hour, 87,277 a year for the household.

Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Metropolitan Wage Intelligence Overview

Metropolitan statistical area compensation intelligence, living wage requirements, and occupation distributions in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI. Official 2026 economic data for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.