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Local moving companies in Grand Rapids
Picking one of the 79 local moving companies in Michigan for your Grand Rapids to Detroit relocation takes the hassle out of your move. Their local expertise means you get tailored service, plus they handle all the packing, loading, and transport, making your move quicker and way less stressful.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Grand Rapids to Detroit
Check the table below for average moving cost estimates from Grand Rapids to Detroit. We’ve organized prices by home size and service type to make comparison simple.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $667 – $2,525 | $519 – $1,163 | $164 – $279 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,244 – $3,652 | $912 – $1,712 | $181 – $333 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,759 – $4,710 | $1,187 – $2,152 | $214 – $356 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Detroit
A studio or one-bedroom relocation from Grand Rapids to Detroit will usually cost $667– $2,525. For a two- to three-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Detroit, plan on $1,244–$3,652. Large moves from Grand Rapids to Detroit often land between $1,759 and $4,710.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Detroit
If you’re using moving containers from Grand Rapids to Detroit, a small move typically costs $519 to $1,163. Two- to three-bedroom moves commonly range from $912 to $1,712. For four bedrooms or more, expect $1,187 to $2,152. Learn more about PODS cost.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move in Michigan.
Cost of renting a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Detroit
Choosing a moving rental truck from Grand Rapids to Detroit is typically the budget-friendly option, but you’re on the hook for all the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $164 to $279. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $181 to $333, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Grand Rapids to Detroit costs around $214 to $356.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from Grand Rapids to Detroit
Cost of living: Grand Rapids vs. Detroit
When comparing the cost of living between Grand Rapids and Detroit, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Detroit stacks up against Grand Rapids.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $328,256 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 9.06% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Detroit is about 25% cheaper than in Grand Rapids, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Detroit are 78% lower than in Grand Rapids, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Detroit is 40% lower than in Grand Rapids. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Detroit is 53% lower than in Grand Rapids. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 7% lower than in Grand Rapids. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Detroit is 111% higher than in Grand Rapids. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Detroit and Grand Rapids, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,410 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Detroit
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Detroit vs. Grand Rapids. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Grand Rapids | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 639,111 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 48.3-49.7 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 37″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 33″ |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 72.92 |
Detroit sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Detroit is around 221% bigger than Grand Rapids. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both Grand Rapids and Detroit voted Democratic.
- Both Detroit and Grand Rapids average summer highs close to 84°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Grand Rapids and Detroit experience similar winter lows, with Grand Rapids reaching 17°F and Detroit getting down to 19°F.
- Both Grand Rapids and Detroit see about the same yearly rainfall—Grand Rapids averages 37 inches, while Detroit gets 34 inches each year.
- Expect more snow in Grand Rapids, where it averages 64 annually compared to Detroit’s 33.
- Detroit has a higher crime rate than Grand Rapids, with a crime index of 72.92 vs 44.23.
Things to do in Detroit
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Grand Rapids has you covered.
Museums in Detroit
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- Detroit Historical Museum
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Parks in Detroit
- Belle Isle Park
- Beacon Park
- Palmer Park
- Balduck Park
- Grand Circus Park
Sports teams in Detroit
- Detriot Tigers (MLB)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
Universities in Detroit
- Wayne State University
- Henry Ford College
- Marygrove College
- St Clair College
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Grand Rapids to Detroit?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Grand Rapids to Detroit, expect to pay between $667 and $2,525 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,244 and $3,652. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,759 up to $4,710 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Grand Rapids to Detroit?
If you’re moving from Grand Rapids to Detroit and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $519 and go up to $1,163. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $912 and $1,712. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,187 and $2,152.
How much is a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Detroit?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $164 to $279. A larger move will cost $181 to $333, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Grand Rapids to Detroit costs from $214 to $356.
How far in advance should I book Grand Rapids-to-Detroit movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Grand Rapids to Detroit at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Grand Rapids-to-Detroit movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Detroit?
To save money on your move to Detroit, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
Learn more about your move to Detroit
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