Quick answer: A move from Madison to Grand Rapids costs $403–$5,689 and takes one to four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 324-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Grand Rapids to Madison guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Madison to Grand Rapids
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Madison to Grand Rapids isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WI to MI move
Local moving companies in Madison
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dreiske Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 217042
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3047914
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 69338
DOT #: 822740
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc., Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services, The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Grand Rapids?
Madison movers charge $85 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 | $1,177 - $3,636 | $737 - $1,833 | $406 - $723 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,143 - $5,689 | $1,323 - $2,568 | $403 - $798 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,872 - $7,484 | $1,748 - $3,322 | $529 - $994 |
Cost to hire movers from Wisconsin to Michigan
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Wisconsin to Michigan, you can expect prices to land between $1,177 and $3,636. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,143 to $5,689 for the trip from WI to MI. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,872 and $7,484.
Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to Michigan
If you’re relocating from Wisconsin to Michigan, you’ll typically spend between $737 and $1,833 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,323 up to $2,568. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,748 and $3,322. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Wisconsin to Michigan
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $406 and $723 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $403 to $798. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $529 to $994.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Madison to Grand Rapids
Moving from Madison to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Madison, 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:
Madison | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,659 |
Average home value | $367,934 | $328,256 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $63,299 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $5,333 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $7,160 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 4.25% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Grand Rapids, since prices are typically 4% higher than in Madison.
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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 10.8% lower than in Madison. - Income is the same in Grand Rapids and Madison.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 132.7% higher than in Madison. 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 31.2% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 30.30% higher than in Madison.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Grand Rapids, since its sales taxes are 9.09% higher than what you are paying in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 44.44% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,980.37 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Population | 198,893 | 269,840 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 56 | 50 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 66 |
Crime Index | 44.23 | 34.57 |
Safety Index | 55.77 | 65.43 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 26% less than Madison.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a similar score to Madison.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Madison with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 44.23 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 55.77 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Grand Rapids. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Ready to relocate to GR? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- North East Citizens Action
- East Hills
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Once you're settled into your new home in Michigan, it's time to get out and discover what Grand Rapids has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Grand Rapids?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Grand Rapids You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Grand Rapids?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Grand Rapids are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Grand Rapids take?
The 324-mile journey from Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Madison offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Grand Rapids.