Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Grand Rapidstoggle

The cost of Baltimore movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Baltimore to Grand Rapids can be as low as $1,317 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,499.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $594 to $1,464. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Grand Rapids

Baltimore Grand Rapids
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,659
Average home value $180,790 $328,256
Average income (per capita) $58,349 $63,299
Cost of living (single person) $2,223 $3,433
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,088 $3,960
Unemployment rate 7.9% 4.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.0%
State income tax 5.75% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 4% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Home prices in Grand Rapids are 81.6% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Grand Rapids is 8.5% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 54.4% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 22.2% lower than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 45.57% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Grand Rapids and Baltimore.
  • State income taxes in Grand Rapids are 26.09% lower than in Baltimore.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,632.93 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Baltimore
Population 198,893 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 56 64
Bike friendliness score 52 53
Crime Index 44.23 72.72
Safety Index 55.77 27.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Grand Rapids's population is about 66% less than Baltimore.
  • Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Baltimore's lower score of 8.
  • Grand Rapids is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
  • Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
  • Grand Rapids's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 44.23 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
  • Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 55.77 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
  • Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Baltimore it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Grand Rapids move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Grand Rapids. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Grand Rapids

Now that you've decided to make the move to "GR", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Grand Rapids.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Fulton Heights
  • Heritage Hill
  • South Hill
  • Heartside-Downtown
  • East Hills
  • Midtown
  • Belknap Lookout

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Eastgate
  • Ottawa Hills
  • Eastown
  • Fulton Heights
  • South East End
  • North East Citizens Action
  • Millbrook
  • East Hills
  • Belknap Lookout
  • Heritage Hill

Things to do in Grand Rapidstoggle

After settling into your new Michigan home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Grand Rapids?

The best time to move from Baltimore to Grand Rapids is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.

When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Grand Rapids?

Because most people are moving from Baltimore to Grand Rapids in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Baltimore to Grand Rapids take?

The 659-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes one to six days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.

Helpful moving resources