($902) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI

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2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Detroit

When planning a move to Detroit from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $902 and $2,916. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,441 and $4,456 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,201 to $5,902.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Detroit

When you’re heading from Chicago to Detroit, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $563 and $1,484. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,043 and $1,957. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,362 to $2,580. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Detroit

A moving rental truck from Chicago 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 $294 to $553. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $325 to $610, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Detroit costs around $398 to $758.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 39% less expensive in Detroit than in Chicago, 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 75% cheaper in Detroit than in Chicago.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 47% less in Detroit than in Chicago.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Detroit. The cost of living for a single person there is 31% below that of Chicago.
• A move to Detroit can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 28% lower compared to Chicago.
• Detroit and Chicago have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• Sales taxes are 41% cheaper in Detroit compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 14% less in Michigan compared to Illinois, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Detroit’s population is about 77% less than Chicago.
• Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Detroit is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 72.92 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Detroit is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 27.08 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago 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.

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.