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Top local movers for Detroit to Kansas City moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Detroit that also provides long-distance services to Kansas City can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 37 local movers in Detroit who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Detroit to Kansas City.
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Handy Relocations: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 39343
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3345697
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Kansas City?
Movers in Michigan generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,172 – $3,921 | $696 – $1,774 | $487 – $945 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,171 – $5,499 | $1,292 – $2,563 | $569 – $1,133 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,694 – $7,593 | $1,663 – $3,139 | $665 – $1,457 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Kansas City
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Kansas City typically costs between $1,172 and $3,921. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,171 and $5,499 when moving from Detroit to Kansas City. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Detroit to Kansas City, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,694 up to $7,593.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Kansas City
If you’re relocating from Detroit to Kansas City, you’ll typically spend between $696 and $1,774 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,292 up to $2,563. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,663 and $3,139. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Kansas City
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Detroit to Kansas City move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $487 and $945. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $569 to $1,133. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $665 and $1,457.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Detroit to Kansas City
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Detroit to Kansas City might be as low as $1,984, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,448.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Detroit.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $487 to $1,323 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Kansas City
Overall, Detroit and Kansas City land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,473 in Kansas City and $2,500 in Detroit, while families in Kansas City see $6,361 versus $6,687 in Kansas City.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Detroit | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,350 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $2,375 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $233,378 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $64,551 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $6,361 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.4% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.8% |
- Switching from Detroit to Kansas City won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 219% higher in Kansas City than in Detroit.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 71% higher in Kansas City than in Detroit, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Kansas City and Detroit, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Kansas City and Detroit, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 42% lower than Detroit, Kansas City boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Kansas City exceed those in Detroit by 40%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 13% higher in Missouri than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Detroit and Kansas City, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $218.18 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $62.08 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.48 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $58.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Kansas City.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Kansas City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Kansas City.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Kansas City.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Kansas City.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Kansas City.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Kansas City.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Kansas City
| Detroit | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 508,090 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 35 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 58.4 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 42.6 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Kansas City’s population is about 21% less than Detroit.
- Kansas City’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Kansas City is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- Kansas City has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Kansas City’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 58.4 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Kansas City is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 42.6 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Kansas City is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Kansas City move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Missouri moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Missouri, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Kansas City without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Kansas City
Ready to relocate to KC? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Kansas City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- River Market
- Union Hill
- Volker
- West Plaza
- West Waldo
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armour Hills
- Brookside
- Sunset Hill
- Volker
- Waldo
Things to do in Kansas City
Now that you’ve made the move to Missouri, it’s the perfect time to explore Kansas City. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Kansas City include museums and art centers like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, National World War I Museum and Memorial, and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, Loose Park, Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, and Line Creek Trail, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)Kansas City Royals (MLB)Sporting Kansas City (MLS)Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro)Kansas City Current (NWSL)Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)Kansas City Comets (MASL)Kansas City Monarchs (American Association)Kansas City Blues (USA Rugby D1)Kansas City Storm (WTFA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Kansas City?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Detroit to Kansas City. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Kansas City?
With many people choosing to move from Detroit to Kansas City in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Detroit to Kansas City take?
Covering 764 miles, the move from Detroit, MI to Kansas City, typically takes two to seven days. Some Detroit movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Kansas City can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Detroit offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 3 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Detroit can handle specialty items for my move to Kansas City?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Detroit, 22 movers can handle pianos. 8 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,299 and 1,464 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
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