How Much Do Michigan Movers Cost?
On average, hiring movers in Michigan costs $139 per hour. That said, total moving expenses usually fall somewhere between $550 and $4,619. Your final costs will depend on details like the size of your home, the distance of your move, your chosen moving company, and any extra services like packing and unpacking assistance.

Let's get moving.
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$744 - $2,640
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$1,171 - $3,021
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$497-$2,966
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$20-$99/day
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$60-$79/hour
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Average cost to hire a local moving company in MI
The cost of hiring a local Michigan moving company for an in-state move mainly depends on the size of your house and how far you’re moving.
If your relocation in Michigan covers 50 miles or less, moving companies typically charge an hourly rate based on the size of the truck and the moving crew required.
For longer in-state relocations, pricing shifts to a model similar to interstate moves — determined by the total volume and weight of your items rather than hourly labor. Many moving companies define moves over 400 miles as long-distance intrastate relocations, but some set the limit at more than 100 miles.
Here’s what you might expect to pay for professional moving services in Michigan.
Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
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Studio | $550 | $194 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
1 bedroom | $744 | $194 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
2 bedrooms | $1,171 | $272 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
3 bedrooms | $2,640 | $381 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
4 bedrooms | $3,021 | $381 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
5+ bedrooms | $4,619 | $533 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
More details on the cost of professional movers in MI
- Studio: Expect your studio move to take about three hours with a team of two movers, costing roughly $194 per hour.
- One bedroom: A one-bedroom move usually requires a two-person crew working for four hours at around $194 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: For two-bedroom homes in Michigan, you'll likely need three movers for five hours. The going hourly rate is about $272.
- Three bedrooms: Movers in Michigan typically charge $381 per hour for a three-bedroom move, which usually takes eight hours with four movers.
- Four bedrooms: A four-bedroom relocation generally takes nine hours with a four-person crew and runs $381 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: Large moves of five+ bedroom homes in Michigan require five movers for ten hours, billed at $533 per hour.
Moving costs by city in Michigan
- Cost of Detroit movers
- Cost of Grand Rapids movers
- Cost of Sterling Heights movers
- Cost of Ann Arbor movers
- Cost of Lansing movers
- Cost of Dearborn movers
- Cost of Livonia movers
- Cost of Farmington Hills movers
- Cost of Flint movers
- Cost of Southfield movers
- Cost of Rochester Hills movers
- Cost of Kalamazoo movers
- Cost of Novi movers
- Cost of Dearborn Heights movers
- Cost of Pontiac movers
- Cost of St. Clair Shores movers
- Cost of Royal Oak movers
- Cost of Kentwood movers
- Cost of Battle Creek movers
- Cost of Portage movers
- Cost of Roseville movers
- Cost of East Lansing movers
- Cost of Saginaw movers
- Cost of Midland movers
- Cost of Adrian movers
- Cost of Allen Park movers
- Cost of Allendale movers
- Cost of Alpena movers
- Cost of Auburn Hills movers
- Cost of Bay City movers
- Cost of Berkley movers
- Cost of Beverly Hills movers
- Cost of Birmingham movers
- Cost of Burton movers
- Cost of Cadillac movers
- Cost of Clawson movers
- Cost of Coldwater movers
- Cost of Comstock Park movers
- Cost of Cutlerville movers
- Cost of East Grand Rapids movers
- Cost of Eastpointe movers
- Cost of Escanaba movers
- Cost of Farmington movers
- Cost of Fenton movers
- Cost of Ferndale movers
- Cost of Flat Rock movers
- Cost of Forest Hills movers
- Cost of Fraser movers
- Cost of Garden City movers
- Cost of Grand Haven movers
- Cost of Grandville movers
- Cost of Grosse Pointe Farms movers
- Cost of Grosse Pointe Park movers
- Cost of Grosse Pointe Woods movers
- Cost of Hamtramck movers
- Cost of Harper Woods movers
- Cost of Haslett movers
- Cost of Hazel Park movers
- Cost of Holland movers
- Cost of Holt movers
- Cost of Howell movers
- Cost of Inkster movers
- Cost of Ionia movers
- Cost of Jackson movers
- Cost of Jenison movers
- Cost of Lambertville movers
- Cost of Lincoln Park movers
- Cost of Madison Heights movers
- Cost of Marquette movers
- Cost of Melvindale movers
- Cost of Monroe movers
- Cost of Mount Clemens movers
- Cost of Mount Pleasant movers
- Cost of Muskegon movers
- Cost of Muskegon Heights movers
- Cost of New Baltimore movers
- Cost of Niles movers
- Cost of Northview movers
- Cost of Norton Shores movers
- Cost of Oak Park movers
- Cost of Okemos movers
- Cost of Owosso movers
- Cost of Port Huron movers
- Cost of Riverview movers
- Cost of Rochester movers
- Cost of Romulus movers
- Cost of Sault Ste. Marie movers
- Cost of South Lyon movers
- Cost of Southgate movers
- Cost of Sturgis movers
Take a look at picks for best movers in Michigan to compare pricing and services:
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Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Michigan
Relocating across state lines — commonly called an out-of-state move — from Michigan comes with more moving parts. Because they require more coordination, interstate moves are priced differently than a simple move within the same city or between Michigan towns.
Instead of hourly rates used for local moves, interstate moving costs are based on the total volume and weight of your items. Traveling out of state usually means longer drives, and that extra distance results in higher costs.
Expenses like fuel, elevated insurance rates, and seasonal demand surges can further push up the final price of your interstate move.
Check below for sample price ranges on several popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Michigan
- Michigan to New York: $2,825–$6,540
- Michigan to California: $4,416–$8,510
- Michigan to Illinois: $2,414–$5,281
- Michigan to Texas: $3,393–$7,345
- Michigan to Arizona: $4,375–$7,895
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Michigan should cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Michigan.
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Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Michigan move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Average cost of moving containers in MI
The average cost for moving containers like PODS ranges from $213–$7,554, depending on container size and the distance you're moving. For instance, a local move in Michigan with an eight-foot PODS container typically costs between $213 and $427, while a 16-foot container might run between $319 and $837.
Typically, you’ll pay anywhere from $213 to $804 for a local move with PODS. Longer moves cost more due to greater mileage and transport time. A long-distance move spanning 100–250 miles usually falls between $252 and $2,132, whereas cross-country moves can range from $2,071 to as high as $7,554.
We recommend PODS for its nationwide reach, variety of container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), and frequent discounts. Still, every move is different, so it’s smart to collect quotes from at least three different companies to compare rates and offerings.
Check out our picks for the best moving container companies in Michigan.
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in MI
On average, renting a moving truck costs between $59–$139 for a local move and $360–$5,680+ for long-distance relocations.
Choosing a truck rental from companies like U-Haul is often the cheapest route — but be prepared to handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself, unless you recruit friends, family, or hired labor.
See our recommendations for the best moving truck rental companies in Michigan:
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Average cost of Michigan hourly-movers
In Michigan, the average rate to hire a mover by the hour is about $69 per crew member. Since even small moves — like studio apartments — usually need at least two movers, you’ll likely pay an hourly total of around $139 for moving help.
Here are some of the best-rated moving labor companies in Michigan:
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Factors that affect the cost of your Michigan move
Several key factors will influence the total cost of your move in Michigan:
- How much stuff you have: The more belongings, the higher your moving costs. Larger loads take more time and often require a bigger moving crew, increasing labor charges. For instance, moving a fully furnished two-bedroom home will cost more than relocating a sparsely decorated studio. To save money, consider downsizing and only bringing items you truly need for your new life in Michigan.
- Moving distance: The farther you move, the higher your overall cost. Local moves are typically charged hourly, depending on the time needed to move your household. For long-distance moves, companies factor in mileage, fuel, tolls, and additional travel time from Michigan to your new location.
- Type of move: You can choose between hiring a full-service mover for maximum convenience or saving money with a DIY solution like renting a moving truck. Renting a truck is cheaper but means doing all the heavy lifting yourself. A moving container option offers a middle ground, saving you some costs while including professional drivers.
- Home layout: Moving from a single-story house with easy access is simpler than moving out of a condo or apartment building. Moves involving elevators, stairs, or tricky parking will likely add extra fees for long carries, stair access, or elevator use.
- Extra services: Doing the work yourself lowers your Michigan moving costs. However, if you prefer to hire professionals for packing, unpacking, or crating fragile items, be prepared to pay additional fees. Extra insurance and short-term storage will also increase your final bill.
- Seasonal timing: Summer moves typically cost 20-30% more due to higher demand. Relocating during the off-peak season — from October through April — can save you a significant amount in Michigan.
Consider car shipping costs for long-distance MI moves
Expert car shipping companies use their extensive experience to safely transport your vehicle to your new home during a long-distance move.
Check out the best car shipping services in Michigan:
Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
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Sherpa Auto Transport |
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Nexus Auto Transport |
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Montway Auto Transport |
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SGT Auto Transport |
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Navi Auto Transport |
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Tips to save money on your Michigan move
No matter if you choose to hire a full-service moving company or handle your Michigan move on your own, there are a few simple ways to cut costs:
- Declutter before you move. Getting rid of unwanted items means fewer things to transport, which lowers your moving costs. Consider donating what you don't need or selling valuable items to earn extra cash.
- Check available discounts. Many movers offer rebates for students, seniors, veterans, and first-time customers, among other groups. Be sure to ask when gathering quotes.
- Avoid peak moving times. Moving between mid-May and mid-September, or on weekends, tends to cost more. Opt for a weekday or an off-season move to save money.
- Schedule your move early. Booking at least two months ahead of your moving date usually results in lower rates compared to last-minute reservations.
- Pack your belongings yourself. Even with full-service movers, doing your own packing can lead to significant savings on your Michigan relocation.
What is the cheapest way to move in Michigan?
The most affordable way to move within Michigan is usually by going the DIY route. Depending on your situation in Michigan, renting a moving truck might be the cheapest choice, while for others, hiring a professional mover can sometimes be the smarter option.
Although DIY moves might seem like the budget-friendly choice for leaving Michigan, that’s not always true. Renting a truck can save you money on local or short moves, but for longer relocations, extra expenses like fuel, mileage fees, tolls, and lodging can add up fast — sometimes making a full-service mover the cheaper overall solution.
Need help figuring it out? Use our free moving cost calculator to instantly compare moving truck rentals and professional moving company quotes.
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