Best Grand Rapids to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Grand Rapids to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 180 miles from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Grand Rapids entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Grand Rapids to Chicago moving option

Hire local Grand Rapids 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Grand Rapids to Chicago 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 Grand Rapids to Chicago 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 Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 41 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Grand Rapids and Chicago 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 Grand Rapids to Chicago 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 Powell Relocation Group).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Grand Rapids to Chicago 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 (Grand Rapids & Chicago combined) from 18,652 reviews

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Grand Rapids to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Eastown in Grand Rapids & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their artsy vibe & indie shops
• Grand Rapids' Heritage Hill neighborhood & Chicago's Lincoln Park both share historic homes & tree-lined streets
• If you're moving from Midtown, check out West Loop in the Chicago area for the new mixed-use development & eateries
• Do you enjoy Downtown's bustling nightlife & galleries? You're sure to love River North
• Move from East Hills to Edgewater and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: quiet residential & lake access
• Creston & Pilsen are both known for their diverse community & street art
• Grand Rapids' Alger Heights neighborhood & Chicago's Beverly neighborhood both have hilly terrain & a suburban feel
• If you're moving from West Side, look into Humboldt Park for the working-class roots & revitalization
• Do you cherish living in Roosevelt Park's park adjacency & urban renewal? Move into South Loop for something similar
• The similar vibes of Eastown & Wicker Park are both known for their artsy vibe & indie shops

Pros and Cons of Moving from Grand Rapids to Chicago

ConsGrand Rapids, MI

• Smaller job market
• Less cultural events
• Lower diversity
• Less public transit

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger job opportunities
• Rich cultural scene
• Greater diversity
• Extensive public transit

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• More crowded
• Less community feel
• Fewer green spaces

Grand Rapids, MI

• Lower cost of living
• Less crowded
• Greater community feel
• More green spaces

Pros of moving from Grand Rapids to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the smaller job market and hello to larger job opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from fewer cultural events and moving to Chicago with a rich cultural scene
• Swap the lower diversity of Grand Rapids for greater diversity in Chicago
• Get ready for extensive public transit in Chicago

Cons of moving from Grand Rapids to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Grand Rapids to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of less crowded conditions and have to settle with the con of more crowded conditions
• Time to bid farewell to the greater community feel and get used to the less community feel in Chicago
• Swap more green spaces for fewer green spaces

Grand Rapids vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Grand Rapids favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Sanzari's Kitchen, Two Scotts Barbecue, and Marcona on Lyon in Grand Rapids, we're sure you'll love Alinea, Smoke Daddy, and avec in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Grand Rapids hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Butcher's Union, head to Publican on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Grand Rapids and Chicago

• The Prairie Style and Ranch architecture that Grand Rapids is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Greystone architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Grand Rapids's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and dynamic neighborhoods.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Grand Rapids.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Grand Rapids.
• Chicago housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Grand Rapids, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Grand Rapids’s $276,947.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased 17% compared to a 59% increase in Grand Rapids.
• Rent in Chicago is 31.23% more expensive than in Grand Rapids.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Grand Rapids to Chicago. Chicago gets 20% more sunshine days than Grand Rapids.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Grand Rapids.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Grand Rapids, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 2 degrees warmer than in Grand Rapids.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Grand Rapids.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago as it receives 1.4 fewer inches of rain compared to Grand Rapids.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Grand Rapids and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 12% more than in Grand Rapids
• The COLI in Chicago will be 29% higher than what you are used to living in Grand Rapids
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 4.25 in MI
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Grand Rapids
• The poverty level is noticeable in Chicago compared to a reduced level in Grand Rapids
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Grand Rapids and moderate in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Grand Rapids vs. Chicago

• Grand Rapids tends to lean mixed, with a conservative lean in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as highly diverse with major representation of all major religions
• Grand Rapids' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a notable Christian community

Grand Rapids vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 62% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Grand Rapids commute. That's 6,760 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Grand Rapids.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.