Moving from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, MI
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Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids costs between $167 to $5,582 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 132-mile route within Michigan take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Ann Arbor to driving and unloading in Grand Rapids, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 132 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,380 - $4,066 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,130 - $2,007 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $190 - $331 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Handle With Care Moving | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids?
It costs between $167 to $5,582 to move from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids. The prices below break down your 132-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $814 - $5,582
- Moving containers: $897 - $2,530
- Rental trucks: $167 - $352
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $814 - $3,560 | $897 - $1,429 | $167 - $269 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,380 - $4,066 | $1,130 - $2,007 | $190 - $331 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,982 - $5,582 | $1,439 - $2,530 | $208 - $352 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $318 - $2,650+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $75/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $212 - $848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $212 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids
At 132 miles, your Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Michigan, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 132 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 93.8% of their 48 verified reviews are positive.
More Michigan moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor guide.
Considerations when moving from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids
Cost of living: Ann Arbor vs. Grand Rapids
Comparing life in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Grand Rapids stacks up against Ann Arbor.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Ann Arbor | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,260 | $1,659 |
| Average home cost | $435,434 | $225,356 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,089 | $65,526 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 27% lower than in Ann Arbor, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Grand Rapids are 48% lower than in Ann Arbor, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Grand Rapids is 19% lower than in Ann Arbor, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Cost of living for one person is 145% higher in Grand Rapids compared to Ann Arbor. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Grand Rapids, expect living costs to be about 34% higher than in Ann Arbor. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Grand Rapids a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Grand Rapids is 23% higher than in Ann Arbor. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes match in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Ann Arbor, you’d need roughly $7,350 to maintain the same lifestyle in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Grand Rapids
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Grand Rapids compared to Ann Arbor. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Ann Arbor | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 198,893 |
| Political leaning | Democratic72-26 | Democratic 48.3-49.7 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 37" |
| Annual snow | 43" | 64" |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 44.23 |
Grand Rapids sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Grand Rapids is approximately 61% greater than the population of Ann Arbor. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Grand Rapids leaned Democratic, while Ann Arbor leaned Democratic72-26.
- Moving between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 82°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids experience similar lows—expect 17°F in Ann Arbor and 17°F in Grand Rapids.
- Both Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids experience similar annual rainfall, with Ann Arbor receiving 36 inches and Grand Rapids getting 37 inches.
- Typically, Grand Rapids gets more snow than Ann Arbor, averaging 64 inches a year versus Ann Arbor’s 43.
- Crime is higher in Grand Rapids (44.23) than in Ann Arbor (31.0).
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Grand Rapids.
Museums in Grand Rapids
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Grand Rapids Children's Museum
- Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts
Parks in Grand Rapids
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park
- Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park
- Riverside Park
- Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
Sports teams in Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Universities in Grand Rapids
- Aquinas College
- Calvin University
- Cornerstone University
- Grace Christian University
- Kuyper College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids?
Shipping furniture from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids with a mover will cost between $711 and $3,133. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,380–$4,066, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids will cost from $1,982–$5,582.
How much are moving container companies from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids?
If you're moving from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $565 to $1,437. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,130 and $2,007. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,439 up to $2,530.
How much is a moving truck from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $169 and $275. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $190 to $331. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, truck rental prices typically range from $208 up to $352.
How far in advance should I book Ann Arbor-to-Grand Rapids movers?
For a smooth move from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Grand Rapids?
To score the best moving deals to Grand Rapids, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
