($1,546) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Boston, MA

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Boston

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

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

• Rent prices in Boston are 105% 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 Boston are 125.2% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Boston is 40.9% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
• The cost of living for a single person in Boston is 9.6% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 57.9% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Boston is 44.19% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the city’s sales taxes in Boston are 4.17% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• State income taxes in Boston are 111.76% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,711.42 in Boston 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. Boston

• Boston's population is about 240% greater than Grand Rapids.
• Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
• Boston is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
• With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Boston's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 39.88 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Boston is considered to be safer than Grand Rapids with a safety index of 60.12 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
• Air quality in Boston is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

• Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
• 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 Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Massachusetts 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 Boston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore 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 Boston

Ready to relocate to "Athens of America"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Boston.

Helpful moving resources