Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Cincinnatitoggle

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 Cincinnati can be as low as $1,233 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,924.
  • 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 $409 to $929. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Cincinnati

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

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

Grand Rapids Cincinnati
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,450
Average home value $328,256 $232,735
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $65,682
Cost of living (single person) $5,333 $2,467
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,160 $6,418
Unemployment rate 4.3% 4.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.5%
State income tax 4.25% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cincinnati are 13% 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 Cincinnati.
    Home prices in Cincinnati are 29.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Cincinnati is 3.8% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, First Student, and Macy's.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Cincinnati is 53.7% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 10.4% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 13.95% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Cincinnati, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Cincinnati are 8.33% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • One perk of moving to Cincinnati is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.65% lower than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,387.77 in Cincinnati 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. Cincinnati

Cincinnati Grand Rapids
Population 309,317 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 49 56
Bike friendliness score 36 52
Crime Index 48.47 44.23
Safety Index 49.53 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
  • Cincinnati's population is about 56% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Cincinnati's public transportation has a similar score to Grand Rapids.
  • Cincinnati is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati has a bike-friendliness score 36 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.
  • Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 48.47 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Cincinnati is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 49.53 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Cincinnati is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

  • Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.
  • 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 Ohio, 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 Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio 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 Cincinnati. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Cincinnati

Ready to relocate to "Blue Chip City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Cincinnati.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Business District
  • Clifton
  • Columbia-Tusculum
  • Oakley
  • Over-The-Rhine

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Hyde Park
  • Mount Adams
  • Mount Lookout
  • Oakley
  • Pleasant Ridge

Things to do in Cincinnati

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

  • Arts and culture: Cincinnati is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Betts House, and Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden 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 Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

The 359-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Cincinnati, OH, takes one to four 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 Cincinnati.

Helpful moving resources