($1,135) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Grand Rapids, MI

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Grand Rapids

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Grand Rapids from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,135 and $3,038. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,891 to $5,081 for the trip from Des Moines to Grand Rapids. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,585 and $7,813.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Grand Rapids

Moving containers from Des Moines to Grand Rapids will cost you $677 to $1,594 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,198 to $2,174. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,625 to $2,849. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Grand Rapids

Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Grand Rapids typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $398 and $698 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $437 to $828. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $549 to $1,081.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Planning a move to Grand Rapids? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 44% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
• Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Grand Rapids are about 71% higher than those in Des Moines.
• Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 8% higher in Grand Rapids compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
• Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Grand Rapids, as living costs for a single person are 182% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
• If you’re moving your family to Grand Rapids, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 63% higher than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is about 27% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes are 14% less in Grand Rapids relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Income taxes have a close resemblance in Michigan and Iowa, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.

• Grand Rapids’s population is about 72% less than Des Moines.
• Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Grand Rapids is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Grand Rapids’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 44.23 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Grand Rapids and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.77 and 57.8.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• 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 Grand Rapids. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Fulton Heights
• Heritage Hill
• South Hill
• Heartside-Downtown
• East Hills
• Midtown
• Belknap Lookout

Best neighborhoods for families

• Eastgate
• Ottawa Hills
• Eastown
• Fulton Heights
• South East End
• North East Citizens Action
• Millbrook
• East Hills
• Belknap Lookout
• Heritage Hill

Things to do in Grand Rapids

After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• Arts and culture: Grand Rapids features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.