Top Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Grand Rapids to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Michigan

Planning a move from Illinois to Michigan? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $809 and $3,190. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,497 and $4,741 for the same journey (IL to MI). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,066 to $5,749.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Michigan

If you're relocating from Illinois to Michigan, you'll typically spend between $678 and $1,476 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,249 up to $2,290. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,568 and $2,646. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Michigan

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $244 and $424. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $269 to $509. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $314 and $536.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 19% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Grand Rapids are 11.0% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Grand Rapids is 11.6% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Grand Rapids — including Meijer, Spectrum Health Hospitals, and Universal Forest Products — may pay more.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 46.2% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• A move to Grand Rapids can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 22.7% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 52.22% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city's sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 14.14% lower than in Chicago.

• Grand Rapids's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
• Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Grand Rapids is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 44.23 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 55.77 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Chicago it's good.

• 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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 check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Michigan doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Fulton Heights
• Heartside-Downtown
• East Hills
• Midtown
• Belknap Lookout

Best neighborhoods for families

• Eastgate
• Ottawa Hills
• North East Citizens Action
• East Hills
• Belknap Lookout

Things to do in Grand Rapids

Once you're settled into your new home in Michigan, it's time to get out and discover what Grand Rapids has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Grand Rapids, such as the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts.
• 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.