Top-rated movers to make your Austin to Detroit move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Austin that offers long-distance services to Detroit can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 33 top local movers in Austin who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Austin to Detroit.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Detroit?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,172 – $4,668 | $983 – $2,203 | $863 – $1,571 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,706 – $6,221 | $1,690 – $3,448 | $860 – $1,830 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,062 – $8,988 | $2,364 – $4,408 | $1,106 – $2,327 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Detroit
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Detroit from Austin, you can expect prices to land between $1,172 and $4,668. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,706 to $6,221 for the trip from Austin to Detroit. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,062 and $8,988.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Detroit
Moving containers from Austin to Detroit will cost you $983 to $2,203 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,690 to $3,448. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,364 to $4,408. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Detroit
Renting a moving truck from Austin to Detroit typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $863 and $1,571 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $860 to $1,830. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,106 to $2,327.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Austin to Detroit move
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,353 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,450 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Austin.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $863 to $2,043, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Austin to Detroit
Many movers find Detroit easier on the wallet than Austin – roughly 25% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,500 for one person in Detroit versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it’s $6,687 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.25% |
- When relocating from Austin to Detroit, expect to find rent about 29% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 86% more affordable in Detroit compared to Austin.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 45% lower in Detroit compared to Austin.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Detroit, as the cost of living for a single person is 25% lower compared to Austin.
- A move to Detroit can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 14% less than what it costs in Austin.
- Detroit shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Austin by around 159%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 27% less in Detroit relative to Austin. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Michigan has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Austin and Detroit:
| Living Expense | Austin | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Austin than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Austin than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Detroit.
How life is different in Austin vs. Detroit
| Austin | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 52 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 34% less than Austin.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- Detroit is more walkable than Austin with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- Both Detroit and Austin have similar bike-friendliness scores (54 vs 52), meaning Detroit is about as safe for cyclists as Austin. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 72.92 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 27.08 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Detroit. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Detroit
Planning your move to America’s Comeback City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Detroit features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Detroit?
Planning your move from Austin to Detroit? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Detroit?
Because most people are moving from Austin to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Austin to Detroit take?
The 1,380-mile journey from Austin, TX to Detroit, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Austin offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Detroit.
Are there special savings available from movers in Austin?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Austin?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Austin, 19 movers can manage piano relocations. 14 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Austin moving services
Popular Texas routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!