Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Atlantatoggle

The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Grand Rapids to Atlanta can be as low as $1,511 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,819.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $695 to $1,694. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Atlanta

Moving from Grand Rapids to Atlanta 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 Atlanta, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Grand Rapids Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,900
Average home value $328,256 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $66,107
Cost of living (single person) $5,333 $3,134
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,160 $7,822
Unemployment rate 4.3% 6.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.9%
State income tax 4.25% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 15% higher than in Grand Rapids, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
    Home prices in Atlanta are 18.3% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Atlanta is 4.4% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Atlanta include Delta Air Lines, Emory University / Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 41.2% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Atlanta, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 9.2% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 39.53% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Atlanta are 48.33% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 29.18% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,762.99 in Atlanta 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. Atlanta

Atlanta Grand Rapids
Population 498,715 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 48 56
Bike friendliness score 42 52
Crime Index 64.23 44.23
Safety Index 35.77 55.77
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Atlanta's population is about 151% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
  • Atlanta is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score 42 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.
  • Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 64.23 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Atlanta is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 35.77 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

  • Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
  • 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Georgia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Georgia 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 Atlanta. 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 for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Atlanta

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cabbagetown
  • Inman Park
  • Midtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Virginia-Highland

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Avondale Estates
  • Candler Park
  • Druid Hills
  • Mountain Park
  • Virginia-Highland

Things to do in Atlanta

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

  • Arts and culture: Atlanta is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant 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 Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Atlanta 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 Atlanta take?

The 790-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Atlanta, GA, takes two to seven 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 Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources