How we chose the best moving companies for your KS to MI move
Using rate data from 22 Kansas movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Kansas to Michigan?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Kansas
to Michigan with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,203 – $4,543 |
$757 – $1,981 |
$614 – $1,128 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,312 – $6,095 |
$1,503 – $2,786 |
$664 – $1,426 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,846 – $7,880 |
$1,967 – $3,551 |
$891 – $1,752 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 994-mile move from KS to
MI, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Kansas to Michigan
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Kansas to Michigan,
you can expect to spend between $1,203
and $4,543.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $2,312 to
$6,095 on the same route
(KS to MI). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from Kansas to Michigan typically runs between
$3,846 and
$7,880.
Cost of moving containers from Kansas to Michigan
Moving from Kansas to Michigan? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $757 and
$1,981. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,503 to
$2,786. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,967 up to
$3,551. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our
complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
to help with your move from Kansas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kansas to Michigan
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$614 and
$1,128.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$664 and
$1,426.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $891 and
$1,752.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KS to MI
There are many factors that influence Kansas moving costs. The cost to move from Kansas to Michigan will depend on these factors:
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How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in Kansas fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from KS to MI
Moving between Kansas and Michigan involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: Kansas vs. Michigan
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
Kansas and Michigan. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
Kansas |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$986 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$229,012 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,747 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
87 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
8.65% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
5.7% |
4.25% |
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No need to worry about your budget. Rent prices are pretty similar if you’re moving from Kansas to Michigan.
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Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in Michigan to be about 7% more than what you’ll find in Kansas.
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You don’t have to stress about your budget, since average incomes are similar in both Kansas and Michigan.
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Moving to Michigan will cost you 6% more than living in Kansas, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
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Michigan has a higher unemployment rate than Kansas by about 38%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
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Sales tax is 31% lower in Michigan compared to Kansas, helping reduce the price of regular purchases and easing the strain on your budget.
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Income taxes in Michigan are 25% lower than in Kansas. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Kansas
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Michigan differs from Kansas in these areas.
|
Michigan |
Kansas |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
2,940,546 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Republican 57.1%-41.1 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
33″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
15″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
24.07 |
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If you’re relocating from Kansas to Michigan, you’ll notice that Michigan has about 241% more residents.
With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
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In the last presidential election, both Kansas and Michigan voted Republican.
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Summers in Michigan average 81°F, a bit cooler than 91°F in Kansas.
This means more comfortable summers, reduced cooling costs, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
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In Michigan, winter lows are about 14°F, while Kansas averages 19°F.
With such a small difference, your seasonal routine and expenses should stay about the same.
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In Michigan, you’ll get about 34 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 33 inches you’ve been used to in Kansas.
Although the total rainfall won’t change much with your move, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls might affect your daily routine.
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In Michigan, it snows about 64 inches annually while Kansas gets only about 15 inches.
With the additional snow you’ll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
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Michigan offers a safer environment than Kansas, with a crime index of 19.98 versus 24.07.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of Kansas vs. Michigan
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in Michigan stacks up against Kansas:
| Pros of living in Kansas |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Delicious barbecue |
Scenic beauty |
| Low cost housing |
Good higher education |
| Cheap living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Four season living |
Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Kansas vs. Michigan
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from Kansas to Michigan, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in Kansas |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Extreme weather |
Cold snowy winters |
| Dull landscape |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| High taxes |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Lack of public transportation |
Expensive education |
| Remote small-town lifestyle |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Kansas to Michigan move
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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Elevator reservation:
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
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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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
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State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a Michigan moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Michigan right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Michigan
Get ready to discover Michigan. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford 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
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kansas to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Kansas to Michigan?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving
package. Alternatively, you can book
vehicle
transport from Kansas to Michigan
separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from Kansas to Michigan?
More and more folks are relocating from Kansas to Michigan to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in Kansas or Michigan?
Living in Kansas usually costs less than in Michigan.
Housing
is more affordable in Kansas,
with average rent about 5% less and home prices 7% lower than in Michigan.
However, taxes are
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Kansas residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Michigan, aim for an income of around $54,934 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $3,608 if you’re flying solo, or $6,859 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Kansas?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in Kansas.
Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 2 moving companies.
Savings for seniors are available from 1 movers.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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When planning a move from Kansas to Michigan, professional movers typically run between
$2,312 and $6,095, a moving container averages about
$2,144, and a rental truck is around
$1,045.
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