Grand Rapids, MI to Burlington, VT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MI→VT movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 84 Michigan moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Burlington

Many movers find Burlington easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids - roughly 50% less for singles and 23% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,693 for one person in Burlington versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it's $5,537 compared with $7,160.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Grand Rapids	Burlington
Average 1 BR rent	$1,900	$1,800
Average 3 BR rent	$3,200	$3,000
Average home value	$328,256	$495,758
Average income (per capita)	$63,299	$66,546
Cost of living (single)	$5,333	$2,693
Cost of living (family of four)	$7,160	$5,537
Unemployment rate	4.3%	3.2%
Sales tax	6.0%	7.0%
State income tax	4.25%	8.75%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is estimated to be 33% higher in Burlington compared to Grand Rapids; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 51% greater in Burlington than in Grand Rapids.
Fortunately, the average income in Burlington and Grand Rapids is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Burlington. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 50% lower than in Grand Rapids.
Choosing to move to Burlington can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 23% less than in Grand Rapids.
Burlington enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 26% lower compared to Grand Rapids, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
Sales taxes rise by 17% in Burlington over Grand Rapids, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
Income taxes are 106% higher in Vermont than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Grand Rapids and Burlington:

Living Expense	Grand Rapids	Burlington
Basic utilities	$118.12	$192.91
Cell phone plan	$45.33	$57.53
Dozen eggs	$3.25	$4.43
Loaf of bread	$3.46	$4.07
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$18.00	$21.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$67.50	$80.00
Gym membership	$33.99	$75.00

Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Burlington, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Burlington.
Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Burlington.
Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in Burlington.
A quick meal is cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Burlington.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Burlington.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Burlington.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Burlington

	Grand Rapids	Burlington
Population	198,893	44,743
Transportation score	6	5
Walkability score	56	59
Bike friendliness score	52	81
Crime index	44.23	43.33
Safety index	55.77	56.67
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Burlington's population is about 78% less than Grand Rapids.
Burlington's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids's score of 6.
Burlington and Grand Rapids are similarly walkable.
With a score of 81 out of 100, Burlington 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 it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Burlington and Grand Rapids have a similar crime rate with scores of 43.33 and 44.23, respectively.
Burlington and Grand Rapids have a similar safety level, with scores of 56.67 and 55.77.
Air quality in Burlington is Good, and in Grand Rapids it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Burlington move

HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Vermont, 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
State regulator: You can verify a Vermont moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Vermont 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Burlington. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When it comes to movers' insurance in Vermont, many moving companies provide Released Value Protection at no extra charge, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For heightened protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Exploring third-party insurance providers for personalized plans is also an option. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Vermont.
Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Burlington

Now that you've decided to make the move to BTV, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Burlington.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Five Sisters
Downtown
Old North End
South End
Hill Section (Hill District)

Best neighborhoods for families

South End
The Hill

Things to do in Burlington

Once you're settled into your new home in Vermont, it's time to get out and discover what Burlington has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Burlington, such as the Frog Hollow Craft Center, Burlington City Arts Center, Robert Hull Fleming Museum, and New City Galerie.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Burlington Bike Path, Waterfront Park, North Beach Park, and Oakledge — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Vermont Catamounts (America East) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Grand Rapids to Burlington, 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 Burlington take?

Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Burlington, VT covers 791 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Grand Rapids movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Burlington.

Which movers in Grand Rapids give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts.

Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.

Who can move pianos or antiques in Grand Rapids?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Grand Rapids advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Grand Rapids provide antique moving services. State totals show 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.