Fact Checked by: Quick answer: For a 743-mile move from Jersey City to Grand Rapids, expect to spend around $738–$6,298 and one to six days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Grand Rapids to Jersey City guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Jersey City to Grand Rapids
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Jersey City to go to Grand Rapids can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your NJ to MI move
Local moving companies in Jersey City
- Ample Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Flatrate Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2971434
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2971434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1748105
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 488466
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 36990
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1543241
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 40244
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3066988
Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City to Grand Rapids?
Jersey City movers charge $139 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,350 - $4,336 | $895 - $2,348 | $658 - $1,248 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,503 - $6,298 | $1,579 - $3,390 | $738 - $1,379 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,642 - $9,572 | $2,338 - $4,197 | $896 - $1,777 |
Cost to hire movers from New Jersey to Michigan
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New Jersey to Michigan typically costs between $1,350 and $4,336. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,503 and $6,298 when moving from NJ to MI. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from New Jersey to Michigan, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,642 up to $9,572.
Cost of moving containers from New Jersey to Michigan
When you’re heading from New Jersey to Michigan, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $895 and $2,348. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,579 and $3,390. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,338 to $4,197. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New Jersey easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Jersey to Michigan
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $658 and $1,248. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $738 to $1,379. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $896 and $1,777.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Jersey City to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Grand Rapids
Moving from Jersey City to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Jersey City, it's 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:
| Jersey City | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,975 | $1,659 |
| Average home value | $589,419 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,397 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,861 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.63% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 44% lower than in Jersey City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
Home prices in Grand Rapids are 44.3% lower than in Jersey City. - Income in Grand Rapids is 15.9% lower than in Jersey City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Grand Rapids — including Meijer, Spectrum Health Hospitals, and Universal Forest Products — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 21.3% higher than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Grand Rapids can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 27.4% less than what it costs in Jersey City.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 48.19% lower than in Jersey City.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city's sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 9.50% lower than in Jersey City.
- One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 60.28% lower than in Jersey City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,638.62 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Grand Rapids
| Grand Rapids | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 292,449 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 87 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 64 |
| Crime Index | 44.23 | 43.21 |
| Safety Index | 55.77 | 56.79 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 32% less than Jersey City.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Jersey City's higher score of 9.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Jersey City, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids and Jersey City have a similar crime rate.
- Grand Rapids and Jersey City are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Jersey City it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Michigan doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Grand Rapids without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that you've chosen GR as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Grand Rapids to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ottawa Hills
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
After settling into your new Michigan home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Grand Rapids include museums and art 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 city's Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Jersey City 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 Jersey City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Grand Rapids?
With many people choosing to move from Jersey City to Grand Rapids in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Jersey City to Grand Rapids take?
The 743-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes one to six days. Some Jersey City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.
