Grand Rapids, MI vs Ithaca, NY
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Ithaca leads in walk score (72 vs 52). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 117). Grand Rapids leads in median household income ($54,789 vs $45,468).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,013 | 32,724 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $0 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $45,468 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 18.4 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 72 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 5.4 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 117 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+50.6 |
C
73.4 Score
Grand Rapids, MI
Beer City USA with West Michigan charm
Median Home
$311,699
Population
201,013
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Grand Rapids, MI →
—
Score
Ithaca, NY
Small New York city with local appeal
Population
32,724
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
72
Median Income
$45,468
Northeast
View Ithaca, NY →