Grand Haven, MI vs Southgate, MI

Grand Haven, MI and Southgate, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Grand Haven scores 82 while Southgate scores 81 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 $1,102/month in Southgate — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Grand Haven has cheaper rent, Southgate actually has lower median home values ($165,400 vs $242,400).

Median household income in Grand Haven is $60,665 compared to $64,635 in Southgate (-6.1%). Southgate offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Grand Haven spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 20.5% in Southgate.