Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Warren, MI
Relocating between Grand Rapids, MI and Warren, MI is a 153 mi drive β 2h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
153 mi Β· 2h 58m by car Β· MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 96, I 696, I 196 |
| Major cities en route | Lansing, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Sterling Heights |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Grand Rapids | Warren | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.775 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.596 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Warren runs about 5.0% more expensive overall than Grand Rapids β RPP 95.546 β 100.298.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $303,298 in Grand Rapids to $196,785 in Warren, a 5.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Grand Rapids +2.9%, Warren +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Grand Rapids | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 74.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.6" | 29.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.0Β°F vs 50.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E GRAND RAPIDS, MI US, DETROIT CITY AP, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Grand Rapids | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,768 | 138,128 |
| Median household income | $65,526 | $63,741 |
| Median age | 32.1 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 13.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.55 |
Household income lines up β $65,526 vs $63,741 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Warren MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Warren compare to Grand Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Warren MSA vs $46,290 in the Grand Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 536,790 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Warren more expensive than Grand Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Warren is 5.0% higher than Grand Rapids (100.298 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Warren, MI from Grand Rapids, MI?
The driving distance is 153 mi and the route typically takes 2h 58m via I 96 and I 696. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Warren?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 153 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Warren compared to Grand Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $196,785 in Warren vs $303,298 in Grand Rapids β a 35.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Grand Rapids vs Warren?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,741 in Warren vs $65,526 in Grand Rapids β a 2.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Grand Rapids.
City profiles: Grand Rapids, MI Β· Warren, MI.