Factors that influence moving costs from Grand Rapids to Miamitoggle

The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Miami might cost as little as $1,629, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,051.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Grand Rapids, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,075 to $2,787. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Miami

Moving from Grand Rapids to Miami means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Grand Rapids than in Miami, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Miami so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Grand Rapids Miami
Average rent cost $1,659 $2,990
Average home value $328,256 $579,925
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $54,858
Cost of living (single person) $5,333 $3,103
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,160 $7,450
Unemployment rate 4.3% 8.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Miami are 80% higher than in Grand Rapids, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
    Home prices in Miami are 76.7% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Miami is 13.3% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Miami include Royal Bank of Canada, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Miami is 41.8% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Miami, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Miami is 4.1% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Miami is 93.02% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Miami, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Miami are 16.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • One perk of moving to Miami is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,745.55 in Miami to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Miami

Miami Grand Rapids
Population 442,241 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 77 56
Bike friendliness score 64 52
Crime Index 52.54 44.23
Safety Index 47.46 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
  • Miami's population is about 122% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Miami's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
  • Miami is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, Miami is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Miami's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 52.54 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Miami is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 47.46 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Miami is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

  • Weather: There are two basic seasons in Miami, a hot and wet season from May through October, and a warm and dry season from November through April. During the hot and wet season, daily thundershowers occur in the humid unstable air masses. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, although hurricanes can develop beyond those dates. Be sure to check your weather app, especially during June through November to avoid hurricanes.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Miami. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Miami

Ready to relocate to "305"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Miami.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Coral Gables
  • Brickell
  • Little Havana
  • Wynwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Coconut Grove
  • Coral Gables
  • Kendall
  • Key Biscayne
  • Pinecrest

Things to do in Miami

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

  • Arts and culture: Miami is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Design District, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and Miami Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Bayfront Park, Tropical Park, Matheson Hammock Park, and Domino 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 Miami Dolphins (NFL), Inter Miami CF (MLS), Miami Marlins (MLB), or Florida Panthers (NHL) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Grand Rapids to Miami. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Grand Rapids.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Grand Rapids to Miami, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

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

The 1,453-mile journey from Grand Rapids, MI to Miami, FL typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Grand Rapids offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Miami.

Helpful moving resources