How we chose the best moving companies for your CO to MI move
After studying pricing from 80 Colorado movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Colorado to Michigan?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Colorado to Michigan.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,199 – $4,928 |
$870 – $2,158 |
$810 – $1,472 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,705 – $6,382 |
$1,605 – $3,401 |
$893 – $1,895 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,637 – $9,230 |
$2,113 – $4,130 |
$1,134 – $2,158 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,331-mile move from CO to
MI are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Colorado to Michigan
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Colorado to Michigan will cost between
$1,199 and
$4,928.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CO to MI will
range from $2,705 to
$6,382, and a large move from Colorado
to Michigan will cost from $4,637
to $9,230.
Cost of moving containers from Colorado to Michigan
If you’re moving from Colorado to Michigan,
expect to pay between $870
and $2,158 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,605 up to
$3,401.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,113 and
$4,130. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Colorado.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Colorado to Michigan
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$810 and
$1,472.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $893
and $1,895. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,134 up to
$2,158 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CO to MI
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Colorado to Michigan. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Colorado is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from CO to MI
A relocation from Colorado to Michigan comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Colorado vs. Michigan
Comparing expenses in Colorado and Michigan shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Colorado |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$1,594 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$541,072 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,598 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
91 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.1% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
7.81% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
5.49% |
4.25% |
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Expect to pay around 35% less in rent in Michigan than in Colorado, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 55% lower in Michigan than in Colorado.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Michigan are about 22% lower than in Colorado.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Michigan and Colorado, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment in Michigan is about 15% higher than in Colorado. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 23% lower than in Colorado. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Michigan can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 23% lower in Michigan than in Colorado. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Colorado
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Michigan stacks up against Colorado across important lifestyle factors:
|
Michigan |
Colorado |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
5,877,610 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Democrat 54-46 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
13ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
16″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
63″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
36.4 |
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Michigan is about 71% more populous than Colorado.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Michigan leaned Republican, while Colorado went with Democrat.
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In Michigan, summer highs hover around 81°F, while Colorado sits at 86°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Michigan reaches about 14°F and Colorado gets down to 13°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
-
Expect about 34 inches of rain each year in Michigan, a noticeable difference from the 16 inches you’re used to in Colorado.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
In Michigan, you’ll get about 64 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, Colorado averages around 63 inches annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
-
Michigan has a lower crime rate than Colorado with a crime index of 19.98 vs. 36.4.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Colorado vs. Michigan
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Michigan versus Colorado:
| Pros of living in Colorado |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Scenic beauty |
| Awesome snow recreational activities |
Good higher education |
| Quality healthcare |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| High quality of life |
Low cost of living |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Colorado vs. Michigan
Moving from Colorado to Michigan comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Colorado |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Extreme weather |
Cold snowy winters |
| High cost of living |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Altitude sickness |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Overcrowding |
Expensive education |
| Bad traffic |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Colorado to Michigan move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Michigan moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Michigan
Get ready to discover all that Michigan has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Colorado to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Colorado to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from Colorado to Michigan?
The main reasons people are moving from Colorado to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Michigan?
Living in Colorado usually costs less than in Michigan.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 35% less and home prices 55% lower than in Colorado.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Colorado residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
You should make approximately $54,934 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Michigan.
The cost of living in Michigan is about $3,608 per month for an individual and $6,859 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Colorado?
Some movers in Colorado provide budget-friendly deals.
In Colorado, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Colorado to Michigan, expect to spend between
$2,705–$6,382 if using professional movers, about
$2,503 for a moving container, and around
$1,394
for a rental truck.
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