Quick answer: Expect to pay $395–$5,351 for a move from Grand Rapids to Akron, with most moves taking one to four days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 321 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Akron to Grand Rapids guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
From Michigan to Ohio, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Grand Rapids has 8 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.
After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Grand Rapids for every moving option.
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Grand Rapids to Akron
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Grand Rapids to Akron, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Grand Rapids to Akron with less stress and more peace of mind.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Grand Rapids?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to OH move
The top local movers servicing Grand Rapids to Akron moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Grand Rapids that also handles long-distance moves to Akron. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Grand Rapids who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Grand Rapids to Akron.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Premier Relocations, LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Pro Low Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC, Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems - Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1150201
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3508434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Akron?
Grand Rapids movers charge $120 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,063 - $3,456 | $707 - $1,625 | $371 - $674 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,957 - $5,351 | $1,183 - $2,369 | $395 - $806 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,674 - $7,408 | $1,630 - $3,005 | $455 - $880 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Ohio
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Ohio will cost between $1,063 and $3,456. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to OH will range from $1,957 to $5,351, and a large move from Michigan to Ohio will cost from $2,674 to $7,408.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Ohio
When you're heading from Michigan to Ohio, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $707 and $1,625. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,183 and $2,369. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,630 to $3,005. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Ohio
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $371 and $674 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $395 to $806. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $455 to $880.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Grand Rapids to Akron
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Akron
Many movers find Akron easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids — roughly 71% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,543 for one person in Akron versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $4,120 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
- Rent prices in Akron are 43% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Akron.
Home prices in Akron are 63.0% lower than in Grand Rapids. - Income in Akron is 2.1% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Akron — including Goodyear, Signet Jewelers, and Sterling Jewelry — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Akron. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 71.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- A move to Akron can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 42.5% less than what it costs in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Akron is 60.47% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Akron, since its sales taxes are 12.50% higher than what you are paying in Grand Rapids.
- One perk of moving to Akron is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.65% lower than in Grand Rapids.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Grand Rapids versus Akron.
Grand Rapids | Akron | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $118.12 | $287.77 |
Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $41.2 |
Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $4.8 |
Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.1 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.5 | $60 |
Gym membership | $33.99 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Akron, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- Bread is more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Akron
Akron | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Population | 190,469 | 198,893 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 48 | 56 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 52 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 44.23 |
Safety Index | 50.39 | 55.77 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Akron's population is about 4% less than Grand Rapids.
- Akron's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
- Akron is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Akron has a bike-friendliness score 43 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.
- Akron's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 5.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Akron is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 50.39 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Akron is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Akron move
- Weather: Best months to move to Akron are June, August and September as these are the driest months heat is not extreme. Winters are cold and dry but typically bring a mix of rain, sleet, and snow with occasional heavy snowfall and icing.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Akron. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Akron
With your sights set on Rubber City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Akron.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Highland Square
- Downtown Akron
- Merriman Valley
- North Hill
- Wallhaven
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Akron
- Merriman Valley
- Fairlawn Heights
- Wallhaven
- Highland Square
Things to do in Akron
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it's time to see what Akron is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Akron is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Children's Museum, and Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Portage Lakes State Park, Cascade Valley Park, and Springfield Lake Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League) and Akron Zips (MAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Akron?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Akron. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Akron?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Grand Rapids to Akron moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Akron take?
Covering 321 miles, the move from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH typically takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Akron can help bridge the gap.
What kinds of discounts do Grand Rapids movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Grand Rapids?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Grand Rapids provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 42 piano movers and 14 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 1901 and 1176.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.