Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Columbustoggle

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 Columbus can be as low as $1,566 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,167.
  • 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 $715 to $1,748. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Columbus

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

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

Grand Rapids Columbus
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,100
Average home value $328,256 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $5,333 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,160 $3,834
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 34% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 51.9% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Columbus is 20.2% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 61.7% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 46.5% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 23.26% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 50.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 29.18% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,148.13 in Columbus 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. Columbus

Columbus Grand Rapids
Population 206,922 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 25 56
Bike friendliness score 31 52
Crime Index 72.18 44.23
Safety Index 27.82 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 4% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 31 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.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 72.18 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 27.82 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to 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: 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus

Ready to relocate to "Lowell of the South["? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • MidTown
  • Uptown
  • Downtown Columbus
  • Overlook
  • Lakebottom

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Columbus
  • Brookstone
  • Green Island Hills
  • MidTown
  • Ivy Park

Things to do in Columbus

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

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and The Lunch Box Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Flat Rock 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 Columbus Lions (NAL), Columbus River Dragons (FPHL), Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL), or Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

The 893-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Columbus, 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 Columbus.

Helpful moving resources