Top-rated local movers that handle San Francisco to Grand Rapids moves
When planning a move from San Francisco to Grand Rapids, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 91 local movers in San Francisco who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from San Francisco to Grand Rapids.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Grand Rapids?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,328 – $5,127 | $1,209 – $3,152 | $1,228 – $2,496 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,335 – $7,737 | $2,258 – $4,539 | $1,314 – $2,794 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,724 – $11,501 | $2,861 – $6,028 | $1,747 – $3,714 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Grand Rapids
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Grand Rapids, you can expect to spend between $1,328 and $5,127. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,335 to $7,737 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Francisco to Grand Rapids typically runs between $6,724 and $11,501.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Grand Rapids
When moving from San Francisco to Grand Rapids, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,209 and $3,152. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,258 to $4,539. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,861 up to $6,028. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Grand Rapids
Renting a moving truck in San Francisco is usually your cheapest option to get to Grand Rapids. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,228 and $2,496. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,314 and $2,794. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,747 and $3,714.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Francisco to Grand Rapids
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,710, but larger homes can run up to $10,524.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Francisco.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,228–$3,387) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 41% higher for singles and -18% higher for families than San Francisco.
Singles spend around $5,333 in San Francisco versus $3,781 in San Francisco; families pay $7,160 compared with $8,717.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Francisco | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 49% lower in Grand Rapids than in San Francisco, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 74% lower in Grand Rapids than in San Francisco.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 54% less in Grand Rapids than in San Francisco.
- Plan for higher expenses in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person is 41% more than in San Francisco. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- Moving to Grand Rapids could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 18% less than in San Francisco.
- Grand Rapids experiences an unemployment rate that is about 20% lower than that of San Francisco. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 30% lower in Grand Rapids than in San Francisco. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Grand Rapids can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Michigan compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing San Francisco with Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Grand Rapids
| San Francisco | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 52 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 75% less than San Francisco.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 56 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 44.23 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 55.77 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Grand Rapids move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Michigan doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Grand Rapids smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that you’ve chosen GR as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Grand Rapids to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Michigan home, it’s time to see what Grand Rapids is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Grand Rapids offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Grand Rapids?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Francisco to Grand Rapids are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Francisco are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Grand Rapids?
Because spring and fall moves from San Francisco to Grand Rapids are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Grand Rapids take?
A move of 2,293 miles from San Francisco, CA to Grand Rapids, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in San Francisco sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Grand Rapids is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in San Francisco?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Francisco offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 72 movers in San Francisco have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 64 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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