Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Detroit
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Detroit can be as low as $1,035 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,125.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $346 to $833. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Detroit
Moving from Chicago to Detroit means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Detroit, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Detroit so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Detroit are 39% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Detroit are 75.3% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Detroit is 47.2% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Detroit include General Motors, Henry Ford Health System, and American Axle & Manufacturing.
- The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 31.5% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 27.8% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit and Chicago.
- You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Detroit, since the city’s sales taxes in Detroit are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Detroit is paying less in state income taxes, which are 14.14% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,055.92 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Detroit
| Detroit | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 72.92 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 27.08 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit's population is about 77% less than Chicago.
- Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher 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 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- 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.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Detroit move
- Weather: Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
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
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- 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, Detroit Historical Museum, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Lions (NFL), or Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Detroit?
The best time to move from Chicago to Detroit is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Detroit?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Detroit take?
The 282-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Detroit, MI, takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.
