The Cost of Living Difference
One of the biggest reasons people are making the move? Cost of living. In Los Angeles, living expenses are nearly 97% higher than in Grand Rapids. According to BestPlaces.net, maintaining the same lifestyle in LA requires almost double the income compared to Grand Rapids. San Francisco’s numbers are even more extreme—173% higher. Housing costs reflect this gap, with home prices in San Francisco nearly four times higher than in Grand Rapids.
More Home for Your Money
Moving to Grand Rapids isn’t just about saving money—it’s about upgrading your lifestyle. Neighborhoods like Alger Heights, West Side Connection, and Byron Center offer homes at prices that would be unheard of in California. The budget that gets you a small fixer-upper in California could get you a spacious home with a backyard in West Michigan.
Beach Life Without the Crowds
Think moving to Michigan means giving up the beach? Think again. Lake Michigan offers miles of sandy beaches, stunning views, and even freshwater surfing. According to Thrillist, towns like Holland, Grand Haven, and Saugatuck rank among the best beach towns in the Midwest. Unlike California, parking is easier, crowds are smaller, and you don’t have to pay a premium to enjoy the water.
Outdoor Recreation Year-Round
West Michigan has over 13,000 miles of state-designated trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and winter sports, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Popular spots like Provin Trails, The White Pine Trail, and Millennium Park provide outdoor adventure all year long. While California offers incredible outdoor activities, access often comes with higher costs and congestion. Here, outdoor recreation is usually free and easily accessible.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Grand Rapids has a vibrant entertainment scene. You can check out Gimme’s Simulator Bar for virtual golf, Big Mini Putt Club for indoor mini golf, or House Rules Lounge for a unique social experience. For sports fans, the city is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins (minor league hockey for the Detroit Red Wings), the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G-League team for the Denver Nuggets), and the Grand Rapids Rise, a fast-growing pro volleyball team. A new stadium is also in the works, aiming to bring professional soccer to the city.
Live Music Without the Hassle
Grand Rapids is a great place for live music, with venues like GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Van Andel Arena, and The Intersection regularly hosting major acts. Soon, the Acrisure Amphitheater will add another top-tier concert space. Unlike California, you won’t be dealing with hours of traffic or paying $50 just to park.
Easy Access to Big Cities
Grand Rapids is just a few hours’ drive from both Chicago and Detroit, making big-city amenities accessible without the daily headaches. In California, even a “short drive” can mean hours in traffic. Here, weekend getaways are actually manageable. Plus, Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers nonstop flights to over 30 destinations, including direct flights to LAX and Phoenix. That means no hour-long Uber rides just to get to your terminal.
A Strong and Growing Job Market
The job market in Grand Rapids is thriving. Major employers include Amway, Steelcase, and Corewell Health, but West Michigan is also home to innovative companies like Perrigo (a leader in pharmaceuticals), BAMF Health (a medical technology firm specializing in precision medicine), and The Van Andel Institute (a world-renowned biomedical research center), according to The Right Place.
Your Paycheck Goes Further
Earning a high salary in California doesn’t always mean financial freedom. High taxes, rent, and overall living expenses drain income quickly. Michigan has a flat income tax rate of 4.25%, while California’s can range from 1% to 13%. California also has the highest state-level sales tax at 7.25%, compared to Michigan’s 6%. That means more of your money stays in your pocket.
A Great Place to Raise a Family
Grand Rapids consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family. According to U.S. News & World Report, the city is recognized for its great schools, safe neighborhoods, and high quality of life. School districts like Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, and Forest Hills offer excellent educational opportunities, according to Niche.com. Unlike California, you don’t have to pay $20,000+ per year for private school just to avoid overcrowded public schools.
Thinking About Making the Move?
At Smallegan Real Estate, we know this transition firsthand—four agents on our team have made the move from California to West Michigan. If you have questions about the process, we’d love to help. Whether you’re just considering the move or already packing, we’re here to be your go-to real estate resource.
Let’s Find Your Place in West Michigan
If you’re thinking about making the move, drop a comment below or give us a call. We’d love to help you find your new home in Grand Rapids.