($1,655) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Spokane, WA

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Spokane

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

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

• Rent prices in Spokane 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 Grand Rapids.
  Home prices in Spokane are 14.4% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Spokane is 3.9% lower than in Grand Rapids, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Spokane include Key Tronic, URM Stores, and Empire Health Centers Group.
• The cost of living for a single person in Spokane is 52.1% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Spokane is 12.4% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Spokane is 53.49% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Spokane, since the city’s sales taxes in Spokane are 50.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• One perk of moving to Spokane is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,437.84 in Spokane 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. Spokane

• The population of Spokane is about 198% greater than Grand Rapids, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Spokane will be about the same as it currently is in Grand Rapids. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
• Spokane neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Grand Rapids. Based on its score of 49 out of 100, Spokane isn’t as walkable as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 56 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• Spokane and Grand Rapids are similarly bike-friendly based on their rating of 52. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• Spokane has a lower crime rate than Grand Rapids based on scores of 3.0 and Grand Rapids's 44.23, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Spokane. With a crime index of 44.94, Spokane ranks lower in overall safety than Grand Rapids, whose index is Grand Rapids's 55.77. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Spokane and Grand Rapids is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

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

• Weather: it is advisable to plan your trips to Spokane, WA between the months of August, July and September as these months have more favorable weather.
• 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 operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Washington 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 Spokane. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Spokane

Ready to relocate to "Hooptown USA"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Spokane.

Helpful moving resources