Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Boston to Grand Rapids
Moving from Boston to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Boston, 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:
| Boston | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,659 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 51% lower than in Boston, 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 Grand Rapids.
Home prices in Grand Rapids are 55.6% lower than in Boston. - Income in Grand Rapids is 29.0% lower than in Boston, 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 10.6% higher than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 36.7% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 30.65% lower than in Boston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the cityโs sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 4.00% lower than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 52.78% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,319.29 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Grand Rapids
| Grand Rapids | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 675,647 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 86 |
| Crime Index | 44.23 | 39.88 |
| Safety Index | 55.77 | 60.12 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 71% less than Boston.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than Boston with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 44.23 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 55.77 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston 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
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Fulton Heights
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
Things to do in Grand Rapids
After settling into your new Michigan home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Boston 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 Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Boston 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 Boston to Grand Rapids take?
The 835-mile move from Boston, MA, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes two to seven days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.
