($887) Moving from Chicago to Detroit
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Detroit costs $364 to $4,705 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 282-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Detroit to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Detroit moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Detroit is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Detroit.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Detroit?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $887 - $3,201 | $676 - $1,460 | $342 - $619 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,599 - $4,705 | $1,169 - $2,150 | $364 - $698 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,302 - $6,419 | $1,604 - $2,693 | $433 - $799 |
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 $887 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,314.
- 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 $342 to $760. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Detroit?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Detroit will cost between $887 to $3,201. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,599 to $4,705, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Detroit will cost from $2,302 to $6,419.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Detroit?
Moving containers from Chicago to Detroit will cost you $676 to $1,460 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,169 to $2,150. A larger home will cost $1,604 to $2,693.
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.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $342 to $619. A larger move will cost $364 to $698, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Detroit costs from $433 to $799. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Detroit
Cost of living: Chicago vs Detroit
| Chicago | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $65,800 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $34,762 |
| 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 are 25% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Detroit are 78.5% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Detroit is 47.0% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 3.2% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 6.9% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit is 11.11% higher than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Detroit are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Detroit are 14.14% lower than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,904.10 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 compared to 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 | 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 has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Detroit's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 55.84 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84% 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 25.97 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Detroit is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Detroit
- 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.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in Detroit
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)
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-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.
