Grand Rapids, MI vs Matthews, NC
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
Matthews
68.7
#1294 nationally
Grand Rapids leads in walk score (52 vs 16). Matthews leads in median household income ($103,405 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 116).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Matthews, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 68.7 (#1294) |
| Population | 201,013 | 30,934 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $514,763 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $103,405 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 26.9 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 16 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 5.1 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 116 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D+
68.7 Score
Matthews, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$514,763
Population
30,934
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
16
Southeast
View Matthews, NC →
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