$765 Movers From Chicago to Grand Rapids

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI averages from $240 to $3,980 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Grand Rapids, MI.

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

Moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids resources

Moving 177 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

Chicago movers charge $100 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 $765 - $2,960 $617 - $1,399 $218 - $378
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,503 - $3,980 $1,137 - $1,959 $240 - $473
4+ bedrooms $2,055 - $5,658 $1,396 - $2,609 $303 - $513
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 177 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Grand Rapids will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Grand Rapids will cost between $765 to $2,960. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,503 to $3,980, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Grand Rapids will cost from $2,055 to $5,658.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

Moving containers from Chicago to Grand Rapids will cost you $617 to $1,399 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,137 to $1,959. A larger home will cost $1,396 to $2,609.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $218 to $378. A larger move will cost $240 to $473, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Grand Rapids costs from $303 to $513. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Grand Rapids moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Grand Rapids is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Grand Rapids.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids

Cost of living: Chicago vs Grand Rapids

Chicago Grand Rapids
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,795
Average home value $306,098 $308,002
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $62,283
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $913
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,317
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.3%
Sales Tax 10.25% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 13% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are the same in Grand Rapids and Chicago.
  • Income in Grand Rapids is 5.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 8.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 7.4% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 52.22% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Grand Rapids are 14.14% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,736.26 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids Chicago
Population 198,893 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 56 77
Bike friendliness score 52 72
Crime Index 44.23 35.19
Safety Index 55.77 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • 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 lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • 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.

Considerations for moving to Grand Rapids

  • 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.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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.

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

What to do in Grand Rapids

These are some of the best things to do in your new Michigan home.

  • Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
  • Meyer May House
  • Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse
  • Van Andel Arena
  • John Ball Zoo
  • Fish Ladder Sculpture

Get your sports on!

Grand Rapids is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

The best time to move from Chicago to Grand Rapids is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF in Grand Rapids.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Grand Rapids?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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