($1,565) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Ontario, CA

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Ontario

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

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

• Rent prices in Ontario are 58% higher than in Grand Rapids, which means you’ll have less 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 Ontario are 103.5% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Ontario is 13.6% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
• The cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 53.6% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 19.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Ontario is 60.47% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Ontario, since the city’s sales taxes in Ontario are 45.83% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• State income taxes in Ontario are 212.94% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,391.15 in Ontario 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. Ontario

• Ontario might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 12% less than Grand Rapids.
• Getting around Ontario without a car might be more difficult than in Grand Rapids. Ontario has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Grand Rapids is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Ontario neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Grand Rapids. Based on its score of 48 out of 100, Ontario isn’t as walkable as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 56 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Ontario, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Grand Rapids. While Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, Ontario earned a 46. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in Ontario is higher than in Grand Rapids, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.25 in Ontario, it is 44.23 in Grand Rapids. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Ontario. With a crime index of 49.75, Ontario ranks lower in overall safety than Grand Rapids, whose index is Grand Rapids's 55.77. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Ontario 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. Ontario move

• Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
• 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 “T Number” 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\’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 Ontario. 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 – 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 Ontario

Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Ontario.

Helpful moving resources