Uprootmap
South Bend vs Grand Rapids
South Bend and Grand Rapids
Photo: Rachel Kramer / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Grand Rapids are under the US rate in this release, 3.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at South Bend to Grand Rapids
In 2022-2023, 44 households filed a move from South Bend to Grand Rapids (about 68 people, average adjusted gross income $109,114). 45 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,005 in South Bend and $1,252 in Grand Rapids. South Bend has a state tax on wages. Grand Rapids has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Grand Rapids is 93% of the national level for the same work, against 87% in South Bend.
Grand Rapids averages 172 sunny days, with July highs around 83°F and January nights around 18°F. South Bend is 181 sunny days, 81°F in July, 25°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in Grand Rapids and 22 in South Bend.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 44 households moved South Bend → Grand Rapids (about 68 people, average AGI $109,114). 45 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between South Bend and Grand Rapids changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 103 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,650–$3,050
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,050
- Rent a truck
- $400–$750
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Dig into Grand Rapids
Questions
Is Grand Rapids cheaper than South Bend after tax and rent?
No. Grand Rapids leaves about $167 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,005 in South Bend and $1,252 in Grand Rapids.
Does Grand Rapids have state income tax?
Grand Rapids is in Michigan, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from South Bend to Grand Rapids?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.