Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Baton Rouge
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Baton Rouge
Moving from Grand Rapids to Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Baton Rouge so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Grand Rapids | Baton Rouge | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $328,256 | $213,584 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $60,369 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $1,638 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $3,941 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.5% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Baton Rouge are 25% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baton Rouge.
Home prices in Baton Rouge are 34.9% lower than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Baton Rouge is 4.6% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baton Rouge include Amedisys, LA State University Continuing, and CB&I Government Solutions.
- The cost of living for a single person in Baton Rouge is 69.3% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Baton Rouge is 45.0% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Baton Rouge is 74.42% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Baton Rouge, since the cityโs sales taxes in Baton Rouge are 58.33% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes are the same in Baton Rouge and Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $921.43 in Baton Rouge 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. Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Population | 222,191 | 198,893 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
Walkability score | 39 | 56 |
Bike friendliness score | 44 | 52 |
Crime Index | 2.0 | 44.23 |
Safety Index | 30.74 | 55.77 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Baton Rouge's population is about 12% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Baton Rouge's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
- Baton Rouge is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Baton Rouge has a bike-friendliness score 44 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.
- Baton Rouge's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 2.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Baton Rouge is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 30.74 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Baton Rouge is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Baton Rouge move
- Weather: Best months to plan a move to Baton rouge are April, October and November as these are these month have more favorable weather, while July and August are the least comfortable months which can cause discomfort during a move.
- 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: If youโre using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Louisiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Louisiana 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 Baton Rouge. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative 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 Baton Rouge
Ready to relocate to "Red Stick"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Baton Rouge.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Highlands/Perkins
- South Baton Rouge
- Broadmoor/Sherwood Forest
- Mid City North
Best neighborhoods for families
- Prairieville
- Zachary
- Shenandoah
- Baker/Zachary
- AddisVillage St. George
Things to do in Baton Rouge
After settling into your new Louisiana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Baton Rouge has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Baton Rouge is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the LSU Rural Life Museum, Capitol Park Museum - Louisiana State Museum, Knock Knock Children's Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and Burden Museum & Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Mike the Tiger's Habitat, Baton Rouge Zoo, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, and Riverfront Plaza 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 LSU Tigers (SEC) and Southern Jaguars (SWAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Baton Rouge?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge take?
The 1,058-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Baton Rouge, LA, takes two to eight 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 Baton Rouge.