($541+) Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $515 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,774 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 698 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,695, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,774 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,105 - $3,388, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $515 - $1,471.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,386 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Detroit to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,386 - $6,287 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 698 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 698-mile route from Detroit to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,695 for a studio up to $8,774 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,105 - $3,388 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $515 - $1,471, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $946 - $2,907, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 698-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with costs ranging from $1,695 - $8,774. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $294 - $1,960. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Detroit and Minneapolis. Local movers in Detroit typically start around $248 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Detroit to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,695 - $4,766
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,386 - $6,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,000 - $8,774
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Detroit to Minneapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan to Minnesota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Minneapolis, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $490 - $4,900 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $196 - $1,176/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $294 - $2,352 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $980 - $2,940 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,450 - $9,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $734 - $1,395 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC | $980 - $2,450 |
| Piano | Any piano type59% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. | $784 - $3,430 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $294 - $1,470 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: White Star Movers, Inc. | $637 - $1,960 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $294 - $14,700+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $294 - $3,430+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Detroit to Minneapolis?
All three below meet the standards set by the Minnesota Transport Services Association, the group most Minnesota movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Detroit, MI. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,105 and $3,388. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Detroit runs about $85/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,105 - $1,924
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,897 - $3,388
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $686 in Detroit, MI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Minneapolis, MN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan to Minnesota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,105. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,376 - $2,692, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Detroit to Minneapolis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Detroit to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Detroit:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
- O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.3/5), 44 years in business
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 42 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 698 miles from Detroit, Michigan, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, running $515 - $1,471. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $218 - $249
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Detroit daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Detroit to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $515 - $963
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $544 - $1,109
- 4+ bedrooms: $722 - $1,471
Pro tip: The base rate of $515 - $1,471 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Detroit to Minneapolis. Fuel ($218 - $249) , lodging at around $147/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $218 - $249 for the 698-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Detroit, Michigan, for about 5 hours typically costs around $686.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 698-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $147 per night, adding $294 - $441 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $294.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Detroit to Minneapolis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Detroit, Michigan, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,113 and $2,089.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $946 - $1,679
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,113 - $2,089
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,444 - $2,907
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $74 and $147.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Detroit, Michigan, for roughly five hours typically average $686.
What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Minneapolis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Minneapolis, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Minneapolis, side by side with Detroit on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Detroit, MI | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 107 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $79,675 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $39,575/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 27.08/100 | 43.94/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Detroit, MI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Minnesota over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 84 movers in our Michigan network to compare for this 698-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,695 for a studio to $8,774 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 698-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,105 - $3,388. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $515 - $1,471, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,386 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN
How walkable is Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 83, compared to 51 and 52 in Detroit. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
What do local movers charge in Detroit?
Local movers based in Detroit typically start around $248 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 59% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
