Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
Moving from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Fort Wayne so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,163 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $53,978 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,600 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $3,150 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 30% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Fort Wayne.
Home prices in Fort Wayne are 30.6% lower than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Fort Wayne is 14.7% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fort Wayne include Steel Dynamics, Franklin Electric, and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
- The cost of living for a single person in Fort Wayne is 51.2% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fort Wayne is 56.0% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 18.60% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fort Wayne, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fort Wayne are 16.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- One perk of moving to Fort Wayne is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.88% lower than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,462.59 in Fort Wayne 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. Fort Wayne
| Fort Wayne | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 265,974 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 40.9 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 59.1 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne's population is about 34% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Fort Wayne's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score 41 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.
- Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids have a similar crime rate.
- Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Fort Wayne move
- Weather: Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
- 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: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that itโs up to date.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Indiana 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 Fort Wayne. 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 budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company 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 Fort Wayne
Ready to relocate to "City of Churches"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fort Wayne.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
After settling into your new Indiana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fort Wayne has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Fort Wayne is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, History Center, and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade 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 Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) and Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne take?
The 175-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Fort Wayne, IN, takes one to two 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 Fort Wayne.
