($1,770) Movers From Olympia, WA to Grand Rapids, MI

What to know before moving from Olympia to Grand Rapids

Moving from Olympia to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Olympia, 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 13% lower than in Olympia, which means you’ll have more 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 35.5% lower than in Olympia.
• Income in Grand Rapids is 4.8% lower than in Olympia, 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 115.6% higher than in Olympia. 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 32.8% higher than in Olympia.
• The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 23.21% lower than in Olympia.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the city’s sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 36.17% lower than in Olympia.
• State income taxes in Grand Rapids are 4.25% higher than in Olympia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,469.47 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Olympia.

How life is different in Olympia vs. Grand Rapids

• Grand Rapids's population is about 258% greater than Olympia.
• Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Olympia's lower score of 5.
• Grand Rapids is more walkable than Olympia with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Olympia's 39 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 Olympia, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
• Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Olympia with a score of 44.23 compared to Olympia's 27.95. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95%.
• Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than Olympia with a score of 55.77 vs Olympia's 62.25.
• Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Olympia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Olympia 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