Grand Haven, MI vs South Haven, MI

Grand Haven, MI and South Haven, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.4% difference in their overall index. Grand Haven scores 82 while South Haven scores 85 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Grand Haven is $961/month compared to $718/month in South Haven — a 34% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South Haven has cheaper rent, Grand Haven actually has lower median home values ($242,400 vs $372,200).

Median household income in Grand Haven is $60,665 compared to $64,338 in South Haven (-5.7%). While South Haven is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Grand Haven spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 13.4% in South Haven.