Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Grand Rapids
Moving from Lafayette to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโs 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:
| Lafayette | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,659 |
| Average home value | $214,264 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.45% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 41% lower than in Lafayette, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
Home prices in Grand Rapids are 53.2% higher than in Lafayette. - Income in Grand Rapids is 6.4% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more 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 198.8% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 70.2% higher than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 25.86% lower than in Lafayette.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the cityโs sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 36.51% lower than in Lafayette.
- State income taxes are the same in Grand Rapids and Lafayette.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,963.03 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Grand Rapids
| Grand Rapids | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 121,374 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 44.23 | 45.75 |
| Safety Index | 55.77 | 54.25 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 64% greater than Lafayette.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Lafayette's lower score of 3.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Lafayette with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Grand Rapids and Lafayette have a similar crime rate.
- Grand Rapids and Lafayette are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Lafayette it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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: 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll 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.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Ready to relocate to "GR"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- Millbrook
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Once youโre settled into your new home in Michigan, itโs time to get out and discover what Grand Rapids has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- 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, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- 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 Lafayette to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Lafayette to Grand Rapids is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Lafayette to Grand Rapids in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Lafayette to Grand Rapids take?
The 1,110-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes two to eight days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.
