Key factors that impact the cost of your Grand Rapids to Plano move
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Plano
Moving from Grand Rapids to Plano 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 Plano, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Plano so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Grand Rapids | Plano | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,659 | $2,100 |
Average home value | $328,256 | $511,000 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $67,874 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,506 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $6,078 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Plano are 27% higher than in Grand Rapids, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
Home prices in Plano are 55.7% higher than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Plano is 7.2% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Plano include Capital One Finance, DXC Technology, and Bank of America Home Loans.
- The cost of living for a single person in Plano is 53.0% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Plano is 15.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Plano is 27.91% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Plano, since the cityโs sales taxes in Plano are 37.50% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- One perk of moving to Plano 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 $1,409.71 in Plano 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. Plano
Plano | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Population | 285,494 | 198,893 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 6 |
Walkability score | 41 | 56 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 52 |
Crime Index | 23.02 | 44.23 |
Safety Index | 76.98 | 55.77 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Plano is about 44% greater than Grand Rapids, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Plano without a car might be more difficult than in Grand Rapids. Plano has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Grand Rapids is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Plano neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Grand Rapids. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Plano isnโt as walkable as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 56 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Plano and Grand Rapids are similarly bike-friendly based on their rating of 52. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Plano has a lower crime rate than Grand Rapids based on scores of 23.02 and Grand Rapids's 44.23, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Plano than in Grand Rapids, based on Planoโs safety index of 76.98 versus 55.77 for Grand Rapids. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Plano and Grand Rapids is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Plano move
- Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.
- 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Plano. 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 Plano
Ready to relocate to "Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Plano.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Clearview
- Creekdale
- Indian Creek
- Liberty Park
- Parkbrooke
Best neighborhoods for families
- Willow Bend
- Kings Ridge
- Whiffletree
- Deerfield
- Ridgeview Ranch
Things to do in Plano
After settling into your new Texas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Plano has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Plano is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway and Heritage Farmstead Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Bob Woodruff Park, and Oak Point 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 World Olympic Gymnastics Academy game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Plano?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Grand Rapids to Plano are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Grand Rapids are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Plano?
With many people choosing to move from Grand Rapids to Plano in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Plano take?
Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Plano, TX covers 1,056 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Grand Rapids movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Plano.