Best Chicago to Grand Rapids Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Grand Rapids Movers Cost?

Moving 178 miles from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Grand Rapids that already have a booked job heading from Grand Rapids to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Grand Rapids from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Grand Rapids moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Grand Rapids moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Grand Rapids movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Grand Rapids move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Grand Rapids movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Grand Rapids moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 41 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Grand Rapids areas.

From these 41 companies, we analyzed a total of 24,051 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 41 companies and 213 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~24,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 18,713 Chicago to Grand Rapids moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Grand Rapids moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.54/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 18,652 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.09/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 6,864 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.59/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 4,038 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.48/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 6,713 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.25/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 3,562 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.76/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 9,906 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.98/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 9,113 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.25/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 17,503 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.39/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 10,090 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.24/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 2,227 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.26/10 avg (Chicago & Grand Rapids combined) from 9,232 reviews

From Chicago to Grand Rapids: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Eastown in Grand Rapids are both known for their walkable area with boutiques & local cafés
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & Grand Rapids' Midtown both share vibrant nightlife with bars & restaurants
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out Creston in the Grand Rapids area for the artsy district with galleries & craft breweries
• Do you enjoy River North's gallery-filled core with upscale dining? You're sure to love Downtown (Heartside)
• Move from West Loop to Downtown (Heartside) and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: fine-dining hub with trendy eateries
• Andersonville & Eastown are both known for their LGBTQ-friendly vibe with indie shops
• Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood & Grand Rapids' Midtown neighborhood both have community events with casual dining spots
• If you're moving from Logan Square, look into Alger Heights for the tree-lined boulevards with neighborhood parks
• Do you cherish living in Bucktown's hip enclave with craft beer & murals? Move into Creston for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher Crime Rate
• More Expensive Housing
• Heavier Traffic
• Larger Population
• Less Green Space

ProsGrand Rapids, MI

• Lower Crime Rate
• More Affordable Housing
• Less Traffic
• Smaller Community
• More Parks & Trails

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Grand Rapids, MI

• Quieter Nightlife
• Smaller Job Market
• More Limited Culture
• Less Public Transit
• Fewer Dining Options

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant Nightlife
• Diverse Job Market
• Rich Cultural Scene
• Extensive Public Transit
• World-Class Restaurants

Pros of moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids

• Say goodbye to higher Crime Rate and hello to lower Crime Rate
• Look forward to moving away from more Expensive Housing and moving to Grand Rapids with more Affordable Housing
• Swap the heavier Traffic of Chicago for less Traffic in Grand Rapids
• Get ready for a smaller Community in Grand Rapids

Cons of moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant Nightlife in Chicago to live with quieter Nightlife in Grand Rapids
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse Job Market and have to settle for the con of a smaller Job Market
• Time to bid farewell to a rich Cultural Scene and get used to more Limited Culture in Grand Rapids
• Swap extensive Public Transit for less Public Transit

Chicago vs. Grand Rapids: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Beer Cheese Soup of Grand Rapids. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Grand Rapids residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Chili of Grand Rapids. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati’s, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Grand Rapids, don't wait too long before making your way to Grand Rapids' acclaimed eateries like San Chez Bistro, Founders Brewing Co., and Rose's.

When comparing lifestyles, Grand Rapids shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Grand Rapids compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Grand Rapids.

Discover Grand Rapids Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Grand Rapids is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Girl & The Goat, and Pequod's Pizza in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Grove, Butcher's Union, and Harmony Brewing Company in Grand Rapids. See our Grand Rapids restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Purple Pig, head to Six.One.Six on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Grand Rapids

• The Modern and Contemporary architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Grand Rapids.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transit and lake views, Grand Rapids real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and access to parks.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Grand Rapids is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Grand Rapids is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Grand Rapids has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Grand Rapids housing costs are 4% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $276,947 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Grand Rapids have increased by 59% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Grand Rapids is 23.80% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI

1. Eastown: You'll love strolling with your pet through tree-lined streets and discovering pet-friendly cafes and parks.
2. Heritage Hill: With its spacious sidewalks and several nearby parks, this historic neighborhood is ideal for pet owners to explore with their furry friends.
3. Downtown Grand Rapids: Enjoy the vibrant urban environment with plenty of green spaces, including the popular Riverside Park, perfect for a pet outing.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Grand Rapids

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Grand Rapids has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in Grand Rapids.
• The average summer high temperature in Grand Rapids is 2 degrees colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Grand Rapids

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Grand Rapids tend to earn about 10% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Grand Rapids will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Grand Rapids is emerging compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is moderate in Grand Rapids compared to noticeable poverty in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Chicago and lower in Grand Rapids

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Grand Rapids

• Chicago tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Grand Rapids, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Conservative
• Grand Rapids' religious environment can be described as having a strong Christian Reformed influence
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse faith communities

Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 35% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Grand Rapids compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 6,240 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Grand Rapids to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Grand Rapids.