Factors influencing moving costs from Fargo to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Fargo to Grand Rapids
Moving from Fargo to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Fargo, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Fargo | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,055 | $1,659 |
Average home value | $287,548 | $328,256 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $63,299 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,566 | $5,333 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,299 | $7,160 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 2.9% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 57% higher than in Fargo, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Fargo.
Home prices in Grand Rapids are 14.2% higher than in Fargo. - Income in Grand Rapids is 6.4% higher than in Fargo, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Grand Rapids include Meijer, Spectrum Health Hospitals, and Universal Forest Products.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 240.5% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Grand Rapids, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 117.0% higher than in Fargo.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 19.44% higher than in Fargo.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the cityโs sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 20.00% lower than in Fargo.
- State income taxes in Grand Rapids are 46.55% higher than in Fargo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $10,216.48 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fargo.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids | Fargo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 198,893 | 125,990 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 56 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 49 |
Crime Index | 44.23 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 55.77 | 56.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 58% greater than Fargo.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Fargo's lower score of 4.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Fargo with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Fargo's 45 out of 100.
- Both Grand Rapids and Fargo have the same bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, meaning Grand Rapids is about as safe for cyclists as Fargo. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 44.23 compared to Fargo's 8.0. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Grand Rapids and Fargo are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Fargo it's good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo vs. Grand Rapids move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Michigan, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 toGrand Rapids Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that youโve chosen "GR" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Grand Rapids to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Eastown
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
After settling into your new Michigan home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside 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 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Fargo to Grand Rapids is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Fargo to Grand Rapids 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 Fargo to Grand Rapids take?
The 823-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes two to seven days. Some Fargo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.