The best local movers for Boston to Detroit moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Boston that also handles long-distance moves to Detroit. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 96 local movers in Boston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Boston to Detroit.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Detroit?
The average hourly rate for movers in Massachusetts is $126. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,166 – $3,527 | $692 – $1,853 | $502 – $914 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,254 – $5,472 | $1,312 – $2,699 | $542 – $1,187 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,691 – $7,962 | $1,704 – $3,239 | $678 – $1,301 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Detroit
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Detroit will cost between $1,166 and $3,527. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $2,254 to $5,472, and a large move from Boston to Detroit will cost from $3,691 to $7,962.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Detroit
If you’re moving from Boston to Detroit, expect to pay between $692 and $1,853 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,312 up to $2,699. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,704 and $3,239. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Detroit
Renting a moving truck from Boston to Detroit is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $502 and $914. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $542 and $1,187. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $678 up to $1,301 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Detroit
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,849, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,431.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($502–$1,194) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Boston to Detroit
Many movers find Detroit easier on the wallet than Boston – roughly 48% less for singles and 41% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,500 for one person in Detroit versus $4,820 in Boston. For a family of four, it’s $6,687 compared with $11,304.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Boston | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 4.25% |
- If you’re heading to Detroit from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 63% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 90% less in Detroit than in Boston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 58% lower in Detroit compared to Boston.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Detroit. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 48% lower than in Boston.
- Choosing to move to Detroit can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 41% less than in Boston.
- In Detroit, the unemployment rate is approximately 46% higher than in Boston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Detroit and Boston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 53% less in Michigan than in Massachusetts. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Boston and Detroit:
| Living Expense | Boston | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Boston than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Boston than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Boston than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Boston than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Detroit.
How life is different in Boston vs. Detroit
| Boston | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 52 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is within about 5% of Boston, so they’re very similar in size.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Detroit is less walkable than Boston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 72.92 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 27.08 vs Boston’s 60.12.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Boston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Detroit. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Detroit has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Detroit, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Detroit?
The best time to move from Boston to Detroit is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Detroit?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Detroit, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Detroit take?
Moving from Boston, MA to Detroit, covers 705 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Boston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Detroit.
Which movers in Boston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Boston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 86 movers in Boston advertise piano moving expertise. 57 movers in Boston provide antique moving services. State totals show 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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