($505+) Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $505 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,951 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,615, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,951 or more.
- Moving containers run $961 - $3,459, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $505 - $1,294.
- 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 $2,160 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,160 - $5,816 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 76% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 698 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
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:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,615 - $4,410, container $961 - $1,778, rental truck $505 - $964, freight trailer $956 - $1,667.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,160 - $5,816, container $1,272 - $2,514, rental truck $518 - $1,101, freight trailer $1,029 - $2,011.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,011 - $7,951, container $1,824 - $3,459, rental truck $634 - $1,294, freight trailer $1,417 - $2,531.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 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 $1,615 - $7,951. 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: $1,615 - $4,410
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,160 - $5,816
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,011 - $7,951
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.
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: 59% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $490 - $4,900 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage | $196 - $1,176/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $294 - $2,352 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% 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 items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $980 - $2,450 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Men on the Move | $784 - $3,430 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $294 - $1,470 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Look for Minnesota Transport Services Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Minnesota beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Detroit, MI. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $961 and $3,459. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Minneapolis. If you go over that window, storage in Detroit adds around $85/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $961 - $1,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,514
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,824 - $3,459
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Detroit, MI and Minneapolis, MN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $686 in Detroit, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $961. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,272 - $2,514.
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
- Men on the Move (4.6/5), 34 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck for this 698-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $505 and $1,294. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $505 - $964
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $518 - $1,101
- 4+ bedrooms: $634 - $1,294
Pro tip: A rental truck from Detroit to Minneapolis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $505 - $1,294. But once you factor in fuel ($218 - $249), overnight lodging ($147/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $343.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $147.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $218 and $249 for the 698-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $686 for 2 movers in Detroit, Michigan, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
For larger DIY moves from Detroit, Michigan, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,029 and $2,011.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,667
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,029 - $2,011
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,417 - $2,531
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Detroit, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $686.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $147 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Minneapolis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Minnesota, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 173 movers licensed in Michigan, useful context for sizing up this 698-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,615 - $7,951 on the 698-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $961 - $3,459 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $505 - $1,294 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,160 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Detroit, MI, to Minneapolis, MN
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN?
Costs on this route range from around $505 to $7,951, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,615 and $7,951, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($218 - $249), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 percentage of Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.