Quick answer: For a 162-mile move from Detroit to Fort Wayne, expect to spend around $236–$4,536 and one to two days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Fort Wayne to Detroit guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Detroit to Fort Wayne
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Detroit to Fort Wayne isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to IN move
Find trusted moving companies for your Detroit to Fort Wayne journey
Organizing a move from Detroit to Fort Wayne can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Detroit known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Detroit to Fort Wayne.
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 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: 41
DOT #: 279708
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- 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: 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
Company Info
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Fort Wayne?
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 | $872 - $3,419 | $654 - $1,575 | $227 - $400 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,564 - $4,536 | $1,195 - $2,075 | $236 - $471 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,165 - $5,875 | $1,620 - $2,646 | $298 - $545 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Indiana
Planning a move from Michigan to Indiana? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $872 and $3,419. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,564 and $4,536 for the same journey (MI to IN). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,165 to $5,875.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Indiana
If you're relocating from Michigan to Indiana, you'll typically spend between $654 and $1,575 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,195 up to $2,075. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,620 and $2,646. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Indiana
Renting a moving truck 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 $227 and $400. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $236 and $471. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $298 up to $545 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Fort Wayne
What to know before moving from Detroit to Fort Wayne
Moving from Detroit to Fort Wayne comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Fort Wayne is generally more expensive than Detroit, it's 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 | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,163 |
Average home value | $73,156 | $227,803 |
Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $53,978 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $2,600 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $3,150 |
Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.1% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 7% lower than in Detroit, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Fort Wayne are 211.4% 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 Fort Wayne, where incomes are, on average, 42.9% higher than in Detroit. Major employers in Fort Wayne include Steel Dynamics, Franklin Electric, and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fort Wayne, since the cost of living for a single person in Fort Wayne is 4.0% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Fort Wayne can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52.9% less than what it costs in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 43.71% lower than in Detroit.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Fort Wayne, since its sales taxes are 16.67% higher than what you are paying in Detroit.
- One perk of moving to Fort Wayne is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.88% lower than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,120.00 in Fort Wayne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne | Detroit | |
---|---|---|
Population | 265,974 | 639,111 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 7 |
Walkability score | 32 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 52 |
Crime Index | 40.9 | 72.92 |
Safety Index | 59.1 | 27.08 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne's population is about 58% less than Detroit.
- Fort Wayne's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 40.9 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 59.1 vs Detroit's 27.08.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Detroit it's good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Fort Wayne move
- Weather: Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Indiana, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Fort Wayne Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that you've chosen City of Churches as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Fort Wayne to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it's time to see what Fort Wayne is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Fort Wayne is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, History Center, and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade 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 Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) and Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Fort Wayne?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Detroit to Fort Wayne You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Fort Wayne?
Because spring and fall moves from Detroit to Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne take?
The 162-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Fort Wayne, IN, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Fort Wayne.