($1,501) Movers From Memphis, TN to Grand Rapids, MI

What to know before moving from Memphis to Grand Rapids

Moving from Memphis to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Memphis, 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 28% higher than in Memphis, 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 Memphis.
  Home prices in Grand Rapids are 128.4% higher than in Memphis.
• Income in Grand Rapids is 31.6% higher than in Memphis, 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 189.5% higher than in Memphis. 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 62.7% higher than in Memphis.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 46.25% lower than in Memphis.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city’s sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 38.46% lower than in Memphis.
• State income taxes in Grand Rapids are 4.25% higher than in Memphis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,685.67 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.

How life is different in Memphis vs. Grand Rapids

• Grand Rapids's population is about 69% less than Memphis.
• Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Memphis's lower score of 4.
• Grand Rapids is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Grand Rapids's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 44.23 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
• Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 55.77 vs Memphis's 22.51.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Memphis it's good.

Other things to consider for your Memphis 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

With your sights set on "GR", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.

Helpful moving resources