($1,200) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Columbus

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

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

• Rent prices in Columbus are 13% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
  Home prices in Columbus are 27.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Columbus is 2.8% higher than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
• The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 47.8% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 1.2% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 32.56% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbus are 25.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• One perk of moving to Columbus 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 $1,566.10 in Columbus 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. Columbus

• Columbus's population is about 355% greater than Grand Rapids.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
• Columbus is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
• Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 48 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.
• Columbus's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 49.65 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Columbus is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 50.35 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
• Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

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

• Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
• 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 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.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\’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 Columbus. 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 Columbus

Ready to relocate to "Arch City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.

Helpful moving resources