Top Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Detroit guide.

1. Palmer Moving Services: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
3. White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Illinois

Planning a move from Michigan to Illinois? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,211 and $3,718. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,951 and $5,569 for the same journey (MI to IL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,012 to $7,919.

Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Illinois

When you're heading from Michigan to Illinois, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $727 and $1,806. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,387 and $2,553. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,848 to $3,296. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Illinois

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $364 and $720 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $399 to $844. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $504 to $1,007.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 64% higher than in Detroit.
• The home prices in Chicago are 304.3% higher than in Detroit, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 89.5% higher than in Detroit. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 45.9% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 38.6% higher than in Detroit.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago and Detroit.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 70.83% higher than what you are paying in Detroit.
• State income taxes in Chicago are 16.47% higher than in Detroit.

• Chicago's population is about 330% greater than Detroit.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's lower score of 7.
• Chicago is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 35.19 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
• Chicago is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 33.87 vs Detroit's 27.08.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Detroit it's good.

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chicago without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.