Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Fresno
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Fresno
Moving from Grand Rapids to Fresno 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 Fresno, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Fresno so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Fresno | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,650 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $381,180 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $63,001 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,277 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $5,358 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.09% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.98% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices are the same in Fresno and Grand Rapids.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
Home prices in Fresno are 16.1% higher than in Grand Rapids. - Income is the same in Fresno and Grand Rapids. The top employers in Fresno include Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno City College, and PrideStaff.
- The cost of living for a single person in Fresno is 57.3% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fresno is 25.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Fresno is 64.88% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fresno, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fresno are 33.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Fresno are 212.94% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,280.89 in Fresno 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. Fresno
| Fresno | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 56.85 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 43.15 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Fresno's population is about 173% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Fresno's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
- Fresno is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 58 out of 100, Fresno is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Fresno's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 56.85 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Fresno is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 43.15 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Fresno is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Fresno move
- Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California 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 Fresno. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Fresno
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fresno.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tower District
- Mural District
- Mclane
- Central Fresno
Best neighborhoods for families
- Woodrow Park
- Fig Garden
- Mclane
- Sunnyside
Things to do in Fresno
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fresno has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Fresno is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration 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 Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Fresno?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Fresno is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Fresno?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Fresno 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 Grand Rapids to Fresno take?
The 2,301-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Fresno, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fresno.
