same $100k income, fresh start from Augusta
changea dispatch from
grand rapids
MI
42.96°N
85.67°W
Grand Rapids has won Beer City USA multiple times, hosts ArtPrize (one of the world's largest open art competitions every fall), and built itself on furniture (Steelcase, Herman Miller). The Frederik Meijer Sculpture Park is a sleeper world-class attraction. Downtown is walkable, the surrounding farmland is gorgeous in autumn, and Lake Michigan beaches are 30 minutes west. Quietly excellent.
the verdict
pricier each month than Augusta
Grand Rapids edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,620/mo
12% more expensive than Augusta(vs $1,443/mo)
4.25%
$103/mo less in state tax than Augusta
vs 5.49% in Augusta
$6,359/mo
$74 less than Augusta
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$353k
43% more expensive than Augusta
vs $247k in Augusta
1.2M
vs 628k in Augusta
field notes, weather & such.
151
pleasant days a year, in grand rapids.
Augusta actually gets more: 191 pleasant days a year. Bring a real coat. 50 days stay under 20°, well past Augusta's 2.
A real upgrade on things to do: 23.0× Augusta's pace.
56/100
22% higher than Augusta
vs 46/100 in Augusta
Closest outdoor draw: White Pine Trail State Park, 5.4 mi.
97/100
31% higher than Augusta
vs 74/100 in Augusta
20
567% more than Augusta
vs 3 nonstops in Augusta
in the same ballpark as grand rapids:
