$1,059 Movers From Chicago, IL to Michigan

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Apr 1, 2024 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Michigan averages from $378 to $5,230 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Michigan to Chicago, IL guide.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Michigan resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Michigan. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

• Best Chicago, IL to Michigan movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Michigan.
• How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
• 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, IL to Michigan car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 281 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Chicago to Michigan moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to Michigan 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 Michigan.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
• North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
• JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing Mayzlin Relocation rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned East coast focus Affordable pricing Get A Quote (980) 217-6841 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves North American Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

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 move from Chicago, IL to Michigan?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to Michigan:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 281 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, IL to Michigan will depend on:

• Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to Michigan?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Michigan will cost between $1,059 to $3,223. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to MI will range from $1,761 to $5,230, and a large move from Chicago to Michigan will cost from $2,435 to $7,064.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to Michigan?

Moving pods from Chicago to Michigan will cost you $716 to $1,726. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,262 to $2,441. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,582 to $3,119. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Michigan.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to Michigan?

A moving rental truck 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 $359 to $656. A larger move will cost $378 to $783, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Michigan costs from $458 to $917.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Michigan a good idea?

If you’re moving to Michigan from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Michigan

• Rent is about 68% less expensive in Michigan than in Chicago.
• Home prices are about 29.6% lower in Michigan than in Chicago.
• The average income is about 3.7% higher in Michigan than in Chicago.
• Michigan has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 106.5%.
• Income taxes are 14.14% lower in Michigan than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from Michigan?

• The population of Michigan is approximately 265% greater than the population of Chicago.
• In the last presidential election, Michigan voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
• The average high in the summertime in Michigan is 81ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
• During the coldest part of the year, Michigan reaches the temperature of 14ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
• You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
• In Michigan, it snows about 64 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
• Michigan has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 18.76.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. Michigan:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Michigan side-by-side.

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. Michigan:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Michigan.

Considerations for moving to Michigan

• Weather: Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section..
• 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 Michigan. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular ACM Movers	Get A Quote	4.04 overall rating	415 W Howard St, Evanston, IL, 60202 (847) 563-0920
Moovers Chicago Inc	Get A Quote	5 overall rating	5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 (773) 474-2691
Mid-West Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating	1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007 (847) 593-7201

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Michigan?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Michigan.

Museums in Michigan

• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Motown Museum
• The Henry Ford
• Kalamazoo Valley Museum
• Gerald R. Ford Museum
• Michigan History Center
• Impression 5 Science Center
• Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
• Colonial Michilimackinac
• USS Silversides Submarine Museum
• Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
• The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
• Ziibiwing Center
• R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
• Castle Museum

Parks in Michigan

• 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• 2. Pere Marquette Park
• 3. Silver Beach County Park
• 4. Presque Isle Park
• 5. Galien River County Park
• 6. Ludington State Park
• 8. Windmill Island Gardens
• 9. Belle Isle Park
• 10. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
• 11. Gaylord's City Elk Park
• 12. Tunnel Park
• 13. Creasey Bicentennial Park
• 14. Riverwalk Pier
• 15. Lakenenland Sculpture Park

Sports Teams in Michigan

• Detroit Lions (NFL)
• Detroit Pistons (NBA)
• Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
• Detroit Tigers (MLB)
• Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
• Michigan State Spartans (NCAA)
• Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)

Universities in Michigan

• University of Michigan
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University
• Grand Valley State University
• Calvin University
• University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Central Michigan University
• Oakland University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Ferris State University
• Northern Michigan University
• Hillsdale College
• Hope College

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Michigan

• What is the cost to move to Michigan?
• Best moving companies in Michigan