($1,558) Movers From Portland, ME to Grand Rapids, MI

What to know before moving from Portland to Grand Rapids

Moving from Portland to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Portland, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 17% lower than in Portland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
  Home prices in Grand Rapids are 39.4% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Grand Rapids is 1.4% lower than in Portland, 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 114.1% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re 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 18.2% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 17.31% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city’s sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 9.09% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.72% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,422.72 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Grand Rapids

• Grand Rapids's population is about 191% greater than Portland.
• Grand Rapids's public transportation has a similar score to Portland.
• Grand Rapids is less walkable than Portland with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 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 Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
• Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 44.23 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 55.77 vs Portland's 67.84.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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\’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.

Where to live in Grand Rapids

Ready to relocate to "GR"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.

Helpful moving resources