Factors influencing moving costs from St. George to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from St. George to Grand Rapids
Moving from St. George to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than St. George, 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:
St. George | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,770 | $1,659 |
Average home value | $501,557 | $328,256 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,508 | $63,299 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,152 | $5,333 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,577 | $7,160 |
Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 6.75% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 6% lower than in St. George, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
Home prices in Grand Rapids are 34.6% lower than in St. George. - Income in Grand Rapids is 8.2% higher than in St. George, 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 147.8% higher than in St. George. 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 56.4% higher than in St. George.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 48.28% higher than in St. George.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the cityโs sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 11.11% lower than in St. George.
- One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 14.14% lower than in St. George.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,434.48 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. George.
How life is different in St. George vs. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids | St. George | |
---|---|---|
Population | 198,893 | 180,279 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 2 |
Walkability score | 56 | 27 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 45 |
Crime Index | 44.23 | 29.02 |
Safety Index | 55.77 | 70.98 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 10% greater than St. George.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus St. George's lower score of 2.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than St. George with a score of 56 out of 100 vs St. George's 27 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than St. George, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than St. George with a score of 44.23 compared to St. George's 29.02. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. George neighborhoods are safer than 29.02%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than St. George with a score of 55.77 vs St. George's 70.98.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in St. George it's good.
Other things to consider for your St. George 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 companyโs license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Michigan doesnโt 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Now that you've made the move to Michigan, itโs the perfect time to explore Grand Rapids. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Grand Rapids, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. George to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from St. George 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 St. George.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. George to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from St. George 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 St. George to Grand Rapids take?
The 1,791-mile move from St. George, UT, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes five to 16 days. Some St. George movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.