Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from Grand Rapids to Tempe
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Tempe
Moving from Grand Rapids to Tempe comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tempe is generally more expensive than Grand Rapids, 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:
| Grand Rapids | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,834 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Tempe are 11% higher than in Grand Rapids, which means youโll have less 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 Tempe are 43.6% higher than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Tempe is 1.2% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tempe include Amkor Technology, Inc., Benchmark Electronics, and America West Holdings.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 1.9% higher than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 4.9% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is 25.58% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tempe, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tempe are 35.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- One perk of moving to Tempe is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.18% lower than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,056.25 in Tempe 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. Tempe
| Tempe | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 75 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 42.36 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 57.64 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 9% less than Grand Rapids.
- Tempe offers better access to buses and trains than Grand Rapids, based on public transportation ratings. Tempe has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Grand Rapids. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Tempe to be about as walkable as Grand Rapids. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 54 and 56 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Tempe is considered more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, while Grand Rapids is rated as 52 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tempe as Grand Rapids. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Tempe is generally as safe as Grand Rapids, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Tempe and Grand Rapids is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Tempe move
- Weather: Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona 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 Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider 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 Tempe
Ready to relocate to "Tempe"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tempe has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tempe is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery, and Petersen House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago 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 Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Tempe?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Tempe. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Tempe?
Because spring and fall moves from Grand Rapids to Tempe are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Tempe take?
Covering 1,891 miles, the move from Grand Rapids, MI to Tempe, AZ typically takes five to 16 days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTempe can help bridge the gap.
