Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Grand Rapids
Moving from Washington DC to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Washington DC, 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:
Washington DC | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,659 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $328,256 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $63,299 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $5,333 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $7,160 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 31% lower than in Washington DC, 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 44.8% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Grand Rapids is 37.8% lower than in Washington DC, 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 34.6% higher than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 35.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 38.57% lower than in Washington DC.
- Sales taxes are the same in Grand Rapids and Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.09% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,037.09 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 198,893 | 705,749 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
Walkability score | 56 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 70 |
Crime Index | 44.23 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 55.77 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 72% less than Washington DC.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Washington DC'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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 44.23 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 55.77 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- South East End
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
Things to do in Grand Rapids
After getting comfortable in your new Michigan home, itโs time to see what Grand Rapids is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Grand Rapids include museums and art 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Grand Rapids take?
The 651-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes one to six days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.