Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Arlington
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Arlington
Moving from Grand Rapids to Arlington comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Arlington is generally more expensive than Grand Rapids, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Grand Rapids | Arlington | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,659 | $2,718 |
Average home value | $328,256 | $810,670 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $128,145 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $6,867 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $11,970 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Arlington are 64% 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 Arlington are 147.0% higher than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Arlington is 102.4% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Arlington include U.S. Department of Defense, Safran, and BAE Systems.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Arlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 28.8% higher than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 67.2% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Arlington is 6.98% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- Sales taxes are the same in Arlington and Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Arlington are 35.29% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,862.93 in Arlington 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. Arlington
Arlington | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,643 | 198,893 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 71 | 56 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 52 |
Crime Index | 15.67 | 44.23 |
Safety Index | 79.15 | 55.77 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Arlington's population is about 20% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Arlington's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
- Arlington is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington 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.
- Arlington's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 15.67 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Arlington is considered to be safer than Grand Rapids with a safety index of 79.15 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Arlington is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Arlington move
- Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
- 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 addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Virginia 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 Arlington. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Arlington
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Barcroft
- Cherrydale
- Lyon Village
- Penrose
- Westover Village
Things to do in Arlington
After settling into your new Virginia home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Arlington has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Arlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Arlington 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 Grand Rapids to Arlington take?
The 654-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Arlington, VA, takes one to six days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Arlington.