The best local movers for Columbus to Detroit moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Detroit. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated nine local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbus to Detroit.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- American International Movers Inc.: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 500159
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Trad Holdings, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9128
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1934458
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3754018
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 270715
Alternate Names: IHS Technologies, Inc. , Trading Post Moving & Storage , American International Movers, Inc. , Covenant Storage, Inc. , Southern Choice Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Detroit?
The average hourly rate for movers in Georgia is $139. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,234 – $4,115 | $776 – $1,904 | $557 – $1,126 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,398 – $5,654 | $1,451 – $2,863 | $645 – $1,261 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,981 – $7,657 | $1,782 – $3,598 | $792 – $1,469 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Detroit
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Detroit will cost between $1,234 and $4,115. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $2,398 to $5,654, and a large move from Columbus to Detroit will cost from $3,981 to $7,657.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Detroit
If you’re moving from Columbus to Detroit, expect to pay between $776 and $1,904 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,451 up to $2,863. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,782 and $3,598. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Georgia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Detroit
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Detroit 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 $557 and $1,126. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $645 and $1,261. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $792 up to $1,469 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Detroit
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,116, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,782.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($557–$1,445) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 22% higher for singles and 74% higher for families than Columbus.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Columbus versus $2,041 in Columbus; families pay $6,687 compared with $3,834.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbus | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,250 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,400 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $157,861 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,041 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,834 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.25% |
- Rent is estimated to be 14% higher in Detroit compared to Columbus; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 54% less in Detroit than in Columbus.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 25% lower in Detroit compared to Columbus.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Detroit, since the cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 22% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Detroit, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 74% greater than in Columbus.
- In Detroit, the unemployment rate is approximately 71% higher than in Columbus, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 33% in Detroit compared to Columbus, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 23% less in Michigan than in Georgia. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Detroit:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $40.33 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.24 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $10.00 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbus than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Detroit.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Detroit.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Detroit.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Detroit
| Columbus | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 52 |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 27.82 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 209% greater than Columbus.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 2.
- Detroit is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 25 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Detroit is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Detroit and Columbus have a similar crime rate with scores of 72.92 and 72.18, respectively.
- Detroit and Columbus have a similar safety level, with scores of 27.08 and 27.82.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Detroit. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Detroit
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to America’s Comeback City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Detroit has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Detroit, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Columbus to Detroit?
The best time to move from Columbus to Detroit is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Detroit?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Detroit, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Detroit take?
Moving from Columbus, GA to Detroit, covers 826 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Detroit.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. State totals show 54 piano movers and 39 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
Popular Georgia routes
- Georgia to Michigan car shippers
- Georgia to California movers
- Georgia to Florida movers
- Georgia to Illinois movers
- Georgia to Michigan movers
- Georgia to New York movers
- Georgia to North Carolina movers
- Georgia to Ohio movers
- Georgia to Pennsylvania movers
- Georgia to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!