Best overall value
Local moving companies in Detroit
- Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.14 / 5
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficient service, friendly and professional movers, and careful handling of clientsโ belongings, with 72% of the 104 customer submissions giving favorable input. Feedback often describes smooth, speedy moves and polite staff who go out of their way to help. Teams consistently arrive on time, work quickly, and keep items protected, which distinguishes Bellhop from other moving companies. Yet a quarter of feedback highlights issues, with most complaints centered around damaged items, late or missing crews, and poor communication. Some users faced delays, last-minute cancellations, or unexpected extra costs, mentioning trouble reaching support and problems with resolving claims. Compared to typical movers, Bellhop stands out for its courteous teams and quick jobs but should address reliability and claims handling for a more consistent service experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
Palmer Moving Services
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 511993
Years in Business: 114
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 USStandout service and attention define customer feedback for Palmer Moving Services. With 250 reviews analyzed, 81% report positive experiences highlighted by professional staff, careful handling of items, efficient processes, strong communication, and timely moves. Customers often mention courteous crews going out of their way to accommodate needs, as well as accurate quotes and seamless executionโattributes that place Palmer ahead of many competitors. Feedback often credits Palmer for reducing moving day stress and protecting property. On the downside, a smaller portion of customers report major concerns such as items damaged during moves, difficulties in reaching staff, and final invoices higher than expected. Lost or mishandled belongings and slow claims resolution also receive criticism, matching common complaints faced by most moving companies. Most customers cite friendly, skilled crews as a strong reason for recommending Palmer, but those experiencing issues see communication gaps and claims processes as areas for improvement.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 511993
Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 1673815
Years in Business: 17
1806 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192 USRoyal Movers Enterprises, LLC receives standout marks for professionalism, careful handling, speed, and value according to 280 pieces of customer feedback. About three-quarters of the input is positive, highlighting the staffโs courteous approach, affordable pricing, and consistent attention to protecting belongings and property during quick moves. Customers frequently mention thorough furniture wrapping, clear communication, and efficiencyโtraits that set Royal Movers apart from larger competitors, who customers sometimes cite as less careful or more expensive. Yet, a quarter of reviewers describe troubling experiences, with multiple reports of rude or unprofessional behavior, pricing disputes, and lack of clear updates or responsiveness. Unprofessional conduct, surprise cost increases, and breakdowns in communication form the backbone of these complaints. Royal Movers stands out for affordable, careful, and efficient service, but potential clients should be aware that some have encountered significant issues with customer service and billing transparency.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1673815
Alternative Business Names
- Royal Movers
White Star Movers, Inc.
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 624288
Years in Business: 39
35956 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 USCustomers repeatedly describe White Star Movers as fast, professional, and genuinely careful with belongings, giving them a much higher satisfaction rate than most moving companies. Out of 290 reviews analyzed, 89% gave positive feedback. Movers are frequently praised for efficiency, careful handling, courteous behavior, prompt arrivals, and effective communication, making moves less stressful. Many clients found the booking process and pricing straightforward, with teams flexibly accommodating last-minute changes and treating homes and possessions respectfully. In contrast, a small number of negative experiences mention breakage, missing items, and issues around pricing or item estimates. Complaints often center on goods being lost or damaged, with a handful citing unexpected fees or miscalculated estimates. Compared to typical industry standards, White Star attracts more consistent praise for professionalism and reliability but, like any moving service, occasional claims about item damage surface. The companyโs strong pointsโspeed, care, and politenessโset it apart, though customers moving valuable or irreplaceable objects should review best practices for inventory and insurance. Most feedback confirms White Star provides a dependable, customer-focused move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 624288
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 279708
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage stands out for delivering fast, careful, and respectful service. Out of 152 feedback entries analyzed, nearly 91% were positive. Customers routinely describe crews as professional, efficient, and polite. Movers excel at handling belongings with caution and working quickly while keeping clients informed, making the process smooth and easy. Many clients also highlight the staffโs helpfulness and the accuracy of estimatesโqualities that set this company ahead of typical industry standards. On the downside, some input identified concerns such as damaged items, bills running higher than quoted, and complaints not always being resolved satisfactorily. Still, such occurrences are much less frequent than the many glowing reports. Compared to other movers, Grosse Pointe earns notably stronger praise for speed, professionalism, and quality care, with negative incidents reported far less often.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 279708
Key factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Tampa
What to know before moving from Detroit to Tampa
Moving from Detroit to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Detroit, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Detroit | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,930 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 54% higher than in Detroit, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Tampa are 407.5% higher than in Detroit. - Income in Tampa is 76.9% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 29.3% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 21.3% higher than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.81% lower than in Detroit.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tampa are 8.33% higher than in Detroit.
- One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,878.40 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Tampa
| Tampa | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 46.15 | 72.92 |
| Safety Index | 53.85 | 27.08 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 37% less than Detroit.
- Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Detroit, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Detroit. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Tampa to be about as walkable as Detroit. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Tampa and Detroit are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 51 and 52 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Tampa has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 46.15 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Detroit, based on Tampaโs safety index of 53.85 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Tampa and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Tampa move
- Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ Division of Consumer Services.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Florida doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tampa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tampa
Ready to relocate to "Big Guava"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tampa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Channel District
- Courier City-Oscawana
- Downtown
- Historic Ybor
- North Hyde Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bayshore Beautiful
- Bayshore Gardens
- Beach Park
- Oakford Park
- Sunset Park
Things to do in Tampa
After settling into your new Florida home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tampa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Tampa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Tampa. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Tampa?
Because spring and fall moves from Detroit to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Tampa take?
Covering 1,177 miles, the move from Detroit, MI to Tampa, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Detroit movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.
