$956 Movers From Detroit to Chicago

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL averages from $321 to $5,111 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Detroit moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Detroit to Chicago resources

Moving 282 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Chicago?

Detroit movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $956 - $3,055 $653 - $1,529 $318 - $541
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,705 - $5,111 $1,174 - $2,056 $321 - $654
4+ bedrooms $2,453 - $6,380 $1,550 - $2,737 $410 - $812
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 282 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Detroit to Chicago will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Detroit to Chicago?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Chicago will cost between $956 to $3,055. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,705 to $5,111, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Chicago will cost from $2,453 to $6,380.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Chicago?

Moving containers from Detroit to Chicago will cost you $653 to $1,529 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,174 to $2,056. A larger home will cost $1,550 to $2,737.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $318 to $541. A larger move will cost $321 to $654, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to Chicago costs from $410 to $812. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Detroit to Chicago moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to Chicago is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Detroit to Chicago.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to Chicago

Cost of living: Detroit vs Chicago

Detroit Chicago
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,595
Average home value $65,800 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $65,601
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $1,001
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $3,584
Unemployment rate 10.0% 9.0%
Sales Tax 6.0% 10.25%
State Income Tax 4.25% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 33% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Chicago are 365.2% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Chicago is 88.7% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 3.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 7.4% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 10.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Chicago are 70.83% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 16.47% higher than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,099.07 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit compared to Chicago?

Chicago Detroit
Population 2,746,388 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 77 51
Bike friendliness score 72 52
Crime Index 35.19 55.84
Safety Index 33.87 25.97
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chicago's population is about 330% greater than Detroit.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • Chicago is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 35.19 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • Chicago is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 33.87 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Chicago

  • 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: 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Detroit movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Palmer Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207
(313) 649-4917

Visit our best long distance movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.

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

What to do in Chicago

These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

  • Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
  • Navy Pier
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
  • 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Field Museum
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Willis Tower SkyDeck
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • Wrigley Field
  • Chicago Pizza Tours
  • Oz Park
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Green Mill Jazz Club
  • The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Second City

Get your sports on!

Chicago is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

FAQs about moving from Detroit to Chicago

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Chicago?

The best time to move from Detroit to Chicago is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Detroit to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Chicago