($1,552) Movers From Bakersfield, CA to Grand Rapids, MI

What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Grand Rapids

Moving from Bakersfield to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Bakersfield, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 2% lower than in Bakersfield, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
  Home prices in Grand Rapids are 15.8% lower than in Bakersfield.
• Income in Grand Rapids is 14.3% lower than in Bakersfield, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Grand Rapids include Meijer, Spectrum Health Hospitals, and Universal Forest Products.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 113.9% higher than in Bakersfield. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• 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 3.2% higher than in Bakersfield.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 27.12% lower than in Bakersfield.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city’s sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 27.27% lower than in Bakersfield.
• One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 68.05% lower than in Bakersfield.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,417.57 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Bakersfield.

How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Grand Rapids

• Grand Rapids's population is about 78% less than Bakersfield.
• Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Bakersfield's lower score of 4.
• Grand Rapids is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
• With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Grand Rapids's crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 44.23 compared to Bakersfield's 58.49. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
• Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 55.77 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Bakersfield it's good.

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

• Weather: August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
• 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Michigan 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 Grand Rapids. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Grand Rapids

Now that you've decided to make the move to "GR", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Grand Rapids.

Helpful moving resources