Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Detroit

The cost of Boston 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 Boston to Detroit can be as low as $1,391 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,301.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, 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 $648 to $1,498. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Boston to Detroit

Boston Detroit
Average rent cost $3,400 $1,250
Average home value $739,121 $73,156
Average income (per capita) $89,212 $37,761
Cost of living (single person) $1,459 $1,175
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,331 $4,145
Unemployment rate 6.2% 9.06%
Sales tax 6.25% 6.0%
State income tax 9.0% 4.25%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Detroit are 63% lower than in Boston.
  • Home prices in Detroit are 90.1% lower than in Boston.
  • Income in Detroit is 57.7% lower than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 19.5% lower than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 22.2% lower than in Boston.
  • The unemployment rate in Detroit is 46.13% higher than in Boston.
  • Sales taxes in Detroit are 4.00% lower than in Boston.
  • State income taxes in Detroit are 52.78% lower than in Boston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,416.04 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How life is different in Boston vs. Detroit

Detroit Boston
Population 639,111 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 9
Walkability score 51 98
Bike friendliness score 52 86
Crime Index 72.92 39.88
Safety Index 27.08 60.12
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Detroit's population is about 5% less than Boston.
  • Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Boston's lower 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 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
  • 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 vs. Detroit move

  • 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.

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

After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Detroit is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, Detroit Historical Museum, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Lions (NFL), or Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

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?

Because most people are moving from Boston 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 Boston to Detroit take?

The 705-mile move from Boston, MA, to Detroit, MI, takes one to six days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.

Helpful moving resources

Boston moving services

Popular Massachusetts routes

Popular moving resources