Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Albuquerque
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Albuquerque
Moving from Grand Rapids to Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Albuquerque so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Albuquerque | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $329,595 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $61,503 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,111 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $5,353 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.63% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.9% |
- Rent prices in Albuquerque are 25% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
- Home prices are the same in Albuquerque and Grand Rapids.
- Income in Albuquerque is 2.8% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Albuquerque include SunBridge Healthcare, Khi, and SUMCO.
- The cost of living for a single person in Albuquerque is 60.4% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Albuquerque is 25.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Albuquerque is 72.09% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albuquerque, since the cityโs sales taxes in Albuquerque are 27.17% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Albuquerque are 38.82% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,187.51 in Albuquerque 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. Albuquerque
| Albuquerque | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 564,559 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 61 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 71.72 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 28.28 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Albuquerque's population is about 184% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Albuquerque's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
- Albuquerque is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 61 out of 100, Albuquerque 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.
- Albuquerque's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 71.72 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Albuquerque neighborhoods are safer than 71.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Albuquerque is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 28.28 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Albuquerque is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Albuquerque move
- Weather: Albuquerque's climate is usually sunny and dry. Winter typically consists of cool days and cold nights, except following passage of the strongest cold fronts and arctic airmasses when daytime temperatures remain colder than average; overnight temperatures tend to fall below freezing between about 10 pm and 8 am in the city.
- 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: Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New Mexico moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: New Mexico 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 Albuquerque. 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, the cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 Albuquerque
Ready to relocate to "Burque"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Albuquerque.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Nob HIll
- Downtown
- Balloon Fiesta
- Eastside
- Uptown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Academy Hills Park
- Altura
- Glenwood Hills
- North Valley
- Ventana Ranch
Things to do in Albuquerque
After settling into your new New Mexico home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Albuquerque has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Albuquerque is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Explora Science Center and Children's Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Elena Gallegos Park, Volcano Park, Los Poblanos Open Space, and Tiguex 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 Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A West), New Mexico United (USL Championship), Duke City Gladiators (Indoor Football League), or New Mexico Lobos (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Albuquerque?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque take?
The 1,485-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Albuquerque, NM, takes three 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 Albuquerque.
