Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Baltimoretoggle

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 Baltimore can be as low as $1,382 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,117.
  • 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 $570 to $1,435. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Baltimore

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

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

Grand Rapids Baltimore
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,600
Average home value $328,256 $180,790
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $58,349
Cost of living (single person) $5,333 $2,223
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,160 $5,088
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Baltimore are 4% 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 Baltimore.
    Home prices in Baltimore are 44.9% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Baltimore is 7.8% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baltimore include Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, and Fitch Co.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Baltimore is 58.3% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baltimore is 28.9% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Baltimore is 83.72% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Baltimore and Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Baltimore are 35.29% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,250.52 in Baltimore 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. Baltimore

Baltimore Grand Rapids
Population 585,708 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 64 56
Bike friendliness score 53 52
Crime Index 72.72 44.23
Safety Index 27.28 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baltimore's population is about 194% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Baltimore's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
  • Baltimore is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Both Baltimore and Grand Rapids have the same bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, meaning Baltimore is about as safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Baltimore's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 72.72 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 27.28 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Baltimore is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

  • Weather: Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Maryland moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland 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 Baltimore. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen 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 Baltimore

Ready to relocate to "America's Comeback Cit"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Baltimore.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Federal Hill
  • Fells Point
  • Mid-Town Belvedere
  • Mount Vernon
  • South Baltimore

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Catonsville
  • Mount Washington
  • Pikesville
  • Roland Park
  • Towson

Things to do in Baltimore

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

  • Arts and culture: Baltimore is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin 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 Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

The 659-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Baltimore, MD, takes one to six 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 Baltimore.

Helpful moving resources