($1,683) Movers From Portland, OR to Grand Rapids, MI

What to know before moving from Portland to Grand Rapids

Moving from Portland to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Portland, 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:

• Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 8% higher than in Portland, which means you’ll have less 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 Grand Rapids are 37.2% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Grand Rapids is 26.3% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less 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 107.3% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re 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 17.8% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 37.68% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city’s sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 6.00% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 57.07% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,220.45 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Grand Rapids

• Grand Rapids's population is about 70% less than Portland.
• Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
• Grand Rapids is less walkable than Portland with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 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 Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
• Grand Rapids's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 44.23 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
• Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 55.77 vs Portland's 42.63.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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 regulations—some 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\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, though it\’s 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 you’ve chosen "GR" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Grand Rapids to check out.

Helpful moving resources