If you’re deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Grand Rapids in 2026, you’re not alone. What used to be a simple answer has become more difficult as the economy continues to drift from historical norms.

Previously, it was common knowledge that buying was the more affordable choice, with long-term benefits generally outweighing the initial costs. But that assumption has shifted. After the pandemic threw housing markets off kilter, prices ballooned and mortgage rates climbed, straining affordability nationwide. Now, the typical buyer needs to earn far more than the typical renter to afford a median-priced home in many cities, leading the homeowner population to stall.

So what does buying vs. renting look like in Grand Rapids right now? To find out, Redfin Real Estate looked at the income required to afford a typical home over a typical apartment—called the “income premium.” For example, an income premium of 10% means a household needs to earn 10% more to buy than to rent, while a premium of -10% means renting is cheaper than buying.
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