Highly rated local moving companies for Pittsburgh to Detroit moves
Organizing a move from Pittsburgh to Detroit can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Pittsburgh known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Pittsburgh to Detroit.
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00121505
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8923758
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Summit Moving and Storage Inc , All My Sons of Pittsburgh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Detroit?
On average, moving companies in Pennsylvania charge about $143 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $876 – $2,916 | $575 – $1,343 | $309 – $515 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,546 – $4,498 | $1,021 – $1,957 | $319 – $667 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,116 – $5,902 | $1,418 – $2,683 | $378 – $742 |
Cost to hire movers from Pittsburgh to Detroit
When planning a move to Detroit from Pittsburgh, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $876 and $2,916. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,546 and $4,498 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,116 to $5,902.
Cost of moving containers from Pittsburgh to Detroit
When you’re heading from Pittsburgh to Detroit, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $575 and $1,343. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,021 and $1,957. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,418 to $2,683. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Detroit
A moving rental truck from Pittsburgh to Detroit is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $309 to $515. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $319 to $667, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Pittsburgh to Detroit costs around $378 to $742.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Pittsburgh to Detroit
The cost of Pittsburgh movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Pittsburgh to Detroit may only cost $1,153, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,740.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Pittsburgh.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($309–$720), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 17% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Pittsburgh.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Pittsburgh versus $2,129 in Pittsburgh; families pay $6,687 compared with $5,011.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Pittsburgh | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,710 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,917 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,129 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,011 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 17% less expensive in Detroit than in Pittsburgh, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 67% cheaper in Detroit than in Pittsburgh.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 30% less in Detroit than in Pittsburgh.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Detroit, with the cost of living for a single person being 17% more than in Pittsburgh. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Detroit, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 33% higher than in Pittsburgh.
- Detroit has a higher unemployment rate than Pittsburgh by about 28%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 14% cheaper in Detroit compared to Pittsburgh. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 38% more in Michigan than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Pittsburgh versus Detroit:
| Living Expense | Pittsburgh | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.34 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.44 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.62 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Pittsburgh than in Detroit.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Detroit
| Pittsburgh | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 52 |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 62.26 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 111% greater than Pittsburgh.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Pittsburgh’s score of 8.
- Detroit is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh’s 62 out of 100.
- Both Detroit and Pittsburgh have similar bike-friendliness scores (55 vs 52), meaning Detroit is about as safe for cyclists as Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh with a score of 72.92 compared to Pittsburgh’s 37.74. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 27.08 vs Pittsburgh’s 62.26.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Pittsburgh it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Costs across Pittsburgh and Detroit are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Detroit. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Detroit
With your sights set on America’s Comeback City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Detroit. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Detroit is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Pittsburgh to Detroit?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Pittsburgh to Detroit. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Pittsburgh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Detroit?
Want to save on your move from Pittsburgh to Detroit? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Detroit take?
The 291-mile move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Detroit, , takes one to four days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Pittsburgh?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 8 movers in Pittsburgh provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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