Quick answer: A typical 982-mile move from Detroit to Mobile runs $714 – $6,290 and takes about two to seven days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Mobile to Detroit.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Detroit to Mobile
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Detroit to Mobile far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Detroit has 26 interstate moving companies, here are our top picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to get you moving to Mobile without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Detroit?
How we chose the best movers MI→AL movers
The best local movers for Detroit to Mobile moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Detroit that also handles long-distance moves to Mobile. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Detroit 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 Detroit to Mobile.
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Fordson Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Mobile?
The average hourly rate for movers in Michigan is . 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 | $1,320 – $5,080 | $823 – $2,089 | $707 – $1,251 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,667 – $6,290 | $1,555 – $2,996 | $714 – $1,611 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,479 – $8,724 | $2,200 – $4,183 | $950 – $1,847 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Mobile
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Mobile will cost between $1,320 and $5,080. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Detroit to Detroit will range from $2,667 to $6,290, and a large move from Detroit to Mobile will cost from $4,479 to $8,724.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Mobile
If you’re moving from Detroit to Mobile, expect to pay between $823 and $2,089 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,555 up to $2,996. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,200 and $4,183. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Mobile
Renting a moving truck from Detroit to Mobile 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 $707 and $1,251. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $714 and $1,611. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $950 up to $1,847 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Mobile

What to know before moving from Detroit to Mobile
Many movers find Mobile easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 27% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,825 for one person in Mobile versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $4,104 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
Detroit | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,083 |
Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $1,833 |
Average home value | $73,156 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $61,962 |
Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 5.0% |
- Budgeting for a move from Detroit to Mobile won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 154% greater in Mobile than in Detroit.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 64% higher in Mobile than in Detroit, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Mobile. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 27% lower than in Detroit.
- Choosing to move to Mobile can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than in Detroit.
- Mobile enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 32% lower compared to Detroit, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 67% in Mobile over Detroit, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 18% higher in Alabama than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Detroit and Mobile:
Living Expense | Detroit | Mobile |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $251.12 | $165.58 |
Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $68.33 |
Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.50 |
Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.31 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $60.00 |
Gym membership | $43.00 | $36.13 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Mobile.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Mobile.
- Eggs cost more in Detroit than in Mobile.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Mobile.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Detroit than in Mobile.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Mobile.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Mobile
Detroit | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Population | 639,111 | 187,041 |
Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
Walkability score | 51 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 34 |
Crime index | 72.92 | 64.95 |
Safety index | 27.08 | 35.05 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile’s population is about 71% less than Detroit.
- Mobile’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Mobile is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- Mobile has a bike-friendliness score of 34 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Mobile’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 64.95 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Mobile is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 35.05 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Mobile is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Mobile 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Alabama 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 Mobile. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Mobile
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Port City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mobile.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Spanish Fort
- Point Clear
- Tillmans Corner
- Theodore
- Chickasaw
Best neighborhoods for families
- Point Clear
- Saraland
- Loxley
- Satsuma
- Semmes
Things to do in Mobile
Once you’re settled into your new home in Alabama, it’s time to get out and discover what Mobile has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Mobile, such as the GulfQuest – National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Battleship USS ALABAMA, Mobile Carnival Museum, and History Museum of Mobile.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Mobile Bay, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Bienville Square, and Medal of Honor 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 South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt)Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Mobile?
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Mobile?
How long does a move from Detroit to Mobile take?
Which movers in Detroit give price breaks?
Who can move pianos or antiques in Detroit?
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
Popular Michigan routes
- Michigan to Alabama car shippers
- Michigan to California movers
- Michigan to Florida movers
- Michigan to Georgia movers
- Michigan to Illinois movers
- Michigan to New York movers
- Michigan to North Carolina movers
- Michigan to Ohio movers
- Michigan to Pennsylvania movers
- Michigan to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!