Moving from Lansing to Detroit, MI
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Quick answer: Moving from Lansing to Detroit costs between $109 to $4,605 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 90-mile route within Michigan take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lansing to Detroit
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lansing to Detroit are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lansing to driving and unloading in Detroit, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 90 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,262 - $3,901 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,005 - $1,813 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $127 - $200 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $240/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Lansing to Detroit?
It costs between $109 to $4,605 to move from Lansing to Detroit. The prices below break down your 90-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $726 - $4,605
- Moving containers: $713 - $2,173
- Rental trucks: $109 - $228
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $726 - $3,273 | $713 - $1,255 | $109 - $173 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,262 - $3,901 | $1,005 - $1,813 | $127 - $200 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,774 - $4,605 | $1,235 - $2,173 | $143 - $228 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $252 - $2,100+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $240/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $168 - $672 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $168 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lansing to Detroit
At 90 miles, your Lansing to Detroit move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Lansing to Detroit. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Michigan, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 90 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lansing to Detroit. They've been in business since 2018 (8 years of experience) and 96.2% of their 262 verified reviews are positive.
More Michigan moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit to Lansing guide.
Considerations when moving from Lansing to Detroit
Cost of living: Lansing vs. Detroit
When comparing the cost of living between Lansing and Detroit, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Detroit stacks up against Lansing.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lansing | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,129 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $119,327 | $79,675 |
| Average income (per capita) | $52,170 | $39,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,595 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,199 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.06% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Detroit are 11% higher than in Lansing. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Detroit are 33% lower than in Lansing, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Detroit is 24% lower than in Lansing. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Living expenses for one person in Detroit are 57% higher than in Lansing, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 59% higher than in Lansing. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Detroit one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Detroit is 22% higher than in Lansing. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Detroit and Lansing, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,710 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Lansing.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Detroit
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Detroit vs. Lansing. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Lansing | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 639,111 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-48 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 46" | 33" |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 72.92 |
Detroit sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Detroit is around 467% bigger than Lansing. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Detroit leaned Democratic, while Lansing went Republican.
- Both Detroit and Lansing average summer highs close to 84°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Lansing and Detroit experience similar winter lows, with Lansing reaching 17°F and Detroit getting down to 19°F.
- Both Lansing and Detroit see about the same yearly rainfall—Lansing averages 33 inches, while Detroit gets 34 inches each year.
- Expect more snow in Lansing, where it averages 46 annually compared to Detroit’s 33.
- Detroit has a higher crime rate than Lansing, with a crime index of 72.92 vs 48.66.
Things to do in Detroit
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Detroit has you covered.
Museums in Detroit
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- Detroit Historical Museum
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Parks in Detroit
- Belle Isle Park
- Beacon Park
- Palmer Park
- Balduck Park
- Grand Circus Park
Sports teams in Detroit
- Detriot Tigers (MLB)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
Universities in Detroit
- Wayne State University
- Henry Ford College
- Marygrove College
- St Clair College
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lansing to Detroit?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Lansing to Detroit, expect to pay between $663 and $2,744 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,262 and $3,901. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,774 up to $4,605 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Lansing to Detroit?
If you’re moving from Lansing to Detroit and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $508 and go up to $1,217. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,005 and $1,813. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,235 and $2,173.
How much is a moving truck from Lansing to Detroit?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $113 to $170. A larger move will cost $127 to $200, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Lansing to Detroit costs from $143 to $228.
How far in advance should I book Lansing-to-Detroit movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Lansing to Detroit at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Lansing-to-Detroit movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Detroit?
To save money on your move to Detroit, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
