Factors that influence moving costs from Grand Rapids to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Huntsville might cost as little as $1,397, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,284.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Grand Rapids, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $594 to $1,407. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Huntsville

Moving from Grand Rapids to Huntsville means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Grand Rapids than in Huntsville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Huntsville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Grand Rapids Huntsville
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,409
Average home value $328,256 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $5,333 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,160 $4,140
Unemployment rate 4.3% 3.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 15% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
    Home prices in Huntsville are 18.7% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Huntsville is 3.7% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 41.3% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 42.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 27.91% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Huntsville are 50.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Huntsville are 17.65% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,762.42 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Grand Rapids
Population 241,114 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 24 56
Bike friendliness score 40 52
Crime Index 42.55 44.23
Safety Index 57.45 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about 21% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Huntsville and Grand Rapids have a similar crime rate.
  • Huntsville and Grand Rapids are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Huntsville. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Huntsville

Ready to relocate to "Rocket City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Huntsville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsville

After settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Huntsville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street 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 Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Grand Rapids to Huntsville. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Grand Rapids.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Grand Rapids to Huntsville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Huntsville take?

The 652-mile journey from Grand Rapids, MI to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Grand Rapids offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources