Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Tacomatoggle

The cost of Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Tacoma can be as low as $1,645 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,147.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, 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 $1,556 to $3,768. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Tacoma

Grand Rapids Tacoma
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,650
Average home value $328,256 $477,289
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $73,341
Cost of living (single person) $3,433 $4,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,960 $7,260
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.3%
State income tax 4.25% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices are the same in Tacoma and Grand Rapids.
  • Home prices in Tacoma are 45.4% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Tacoma is 15.9% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 20.4% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 83.3% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 69.77% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Sales taxes in Tacoma are 71.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Tacoma are 100.00% lower than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,611.71 in Tacoma 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. Tacoma

Tacoma Grand Rapids
Population 223,968 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 54 56
Bike friendliness score 48 52
Crime Index 55.55 44.23
Safety Index 44.45 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Tacoma's population is about 13% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Tacoma's public transportation has a similar score to Grand Rapids.
  • Tacoma is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Tacoma's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 55.55 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 44.45 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Tacoma is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

  • Weather: Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.
  • 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Washington 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 Tacoma. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Tacoma

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Americaโ€™s #1 Wired City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tacoma.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Central
  • Eastside-Enact
  • North End
  • Northeast Tacoma
  • West End

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • North End
  • West End

Things to do in Tacomatoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Tacoma is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the LeMay - America's Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, Washington State History Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright 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 Tacoma Defiance (Soccer) and Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Tacoma 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 Tacoma?

Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Tacoma 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 Tacoma take?

The 2,257-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Tacoma, WA, takes seven to 18 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 Tacoma.

Helpful moving resources

Grand Rapids moving services

Popular Michigan routes

Popular moving resources