($1,527) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Houston, TX

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Houston

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

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

• Rent prices in Houston are 7% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
  Home prices in Houston are 19.6% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Houston is 10.3% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
• The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 48.1% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family is the same in Houston and Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Houston is 4.65% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city’s sales taxes in Houston are 37.50% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• One perk of moving to Houston 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 $1,558.22 in Houston 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. Houston

• Houston's population is about 1,057% greater than Grand Rapids.
• Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
• Houston is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
• Both Houston and Grand Rapids have the same bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, meaning Houston is about as safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Houston's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 63.5 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Houston is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 36.5 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
• Air quality in Houston is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

• Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
• 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Texas doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Houston

Ready to relocate to "HOU"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Houston.

Helpful moving resources