$1,094 Movers from Chicago to Detroit
Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI averages from $402 to $5,456 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
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In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Detroit, MI. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Detroit to Chicago guide.
- Best Chicago to Detroit movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Detroit.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Chicago to Detroit car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.
Moving 284 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Detroit?
Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,094 - $3,605 | $739 - $1,764 | $374 - $677 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,911 - $5,456 | $1,341 - $2,544 | $402 - $801 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,696 - $7,298 | $1,771 - $3,220 | $497 - $955 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 284 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Chicago to Detroit will depend on:
- Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
- Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
Who Are The Best Chicago to Detroit Movers?
Hiring a moving company is a big deal.
We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.
If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Detroit?
To ship furniture from Chicago to Detroit with a mover will cost between $1,094 to $3,605. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $1,911 to $5,456, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Detroit will cost from $2,696 to $7,298.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Detroit?
Moving containers from Chicago to Detroit will cost you $739 to $1,764 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,341 to $2,544. A larger home will cost $1,771 to $3,220.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Detroit?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $374 to $677. A larger move will cost $402 to $801, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Detroit costs from $497 to $955.
Is moving from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI a good idea?
Cost of Living: Chicago vs Detroit
| Chicago | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,100 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $64,450 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $33,965 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $969 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,338 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 10.0% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 4.25% |
- Rent Prices in Detroit, MI are 31% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Home Prices in Detroit, MI are 78.9% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Income in Detroit, MI is 48.2% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Cost of Living for a single person in Detroit, MI is 3.2% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Cost of Living for a family in Detroit, MI is 6.9% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Unemployment rate in Detroit, MI is 11.11% higher than in Chicago, IL.
- Sales Taxes in Detroit, MI are 41.46% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- State Income Taxes in Detroit, MI are 14.14% lower than in Chicago, IL.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,904.1 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI?
| 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 | 55.84 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 25.97 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 77% less than Chicago.
- Detroit’s public transportation is better than Chicago with a score of 7 vs 9.
- Detroit is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 vs 77.
- Detroit is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 52 vs 72.
- Detroit's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 55.84 compared to 35.19.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 25.97 vs 33.87.
- Air Quality in Detroit is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Considerations for moving to Detroit, MI
- 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 forward to Detroit. Get started here.
- Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Local Chicago Movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 (312) 561-3707 |
| Moovers Chicago Inc | Get A Quote |
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5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 (773) 474-2691 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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4305 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (847) 378-4949 |
Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Detroit, MI
Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Comeback City", these are the best neighborhoods in Detroit to move to.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
What to do in Detroit
Moving to The “America's Comeback City”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Michigan home.
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Detroit Riverwalk
- Motown Museum
- Belle Isle Park
- Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
- Campus Martius Park
- Detroit Zoo
- Historic Fort Wayne
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Michigan Science Center
- Comerica Park
- Fox Theatre
- Heidelberg Project
- The Spirit of Detroit
- GM Renaissance Center
- The BELT
- Detroit Princess Riverboat
- People Mover
- Fisher Building
- Greenfild Village
- Z Park Garage
- Detroit Historical Museum
- Hart Plaza
- Third Man Records
- Detroit Masonic Temple
- John K. King Used & Rare Books
- “Reflector” Art Installation
- Eastern Market
- Dequindre Cut Greenway
- Milliken State Park and Harbor
Get your sports on!
Detroit is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Detriot Tigers (MLB)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
