The best local movers for Detroit to Boston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Detroit that also handles long-distance moves to Boston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 36 local movers in Detroit who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Detroit to Boston.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
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: 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
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Boston?
The average hourly rate for movers in Michigan is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,188 – $4,132 | $765 – $1,782 | $517 – $952 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,251 – $5,800 | $1,247 – $2,442 | $569 – $1,142 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,192 – $8,521 | $1,792 – $3,172 | $657 – $1,411 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Boston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Boston will cost between $1,188 and $4,132. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Detroit to Detroit will range from $2,251 to $5,800, and a large move from Detroit to Boston will cost from $4,192 to $8,521.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Boston
If you’re moving from Detroit to Boston, expect to pay between $765 and $1,782 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,247 up to $2,442. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,792 and $3,172. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Boston
Renting a moving truck from Detroit to Boston 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 $517 and $952. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $569 and $1,142. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $657 up to $1,411 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Boston
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,998, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,093.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($517–$1,306) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Boston runs about 93% higher for singles and 69% higher for families than Detroit.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Detroit versus $2,500 in Detroit; families pay $11,304 compared with $6,687.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Detroit | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 9.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 172% higher in Boston compared to Detroit; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 910% greater in Boston than in Detroit.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 136% higher in Boston than in Detroit, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 93% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Boston, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 69% greater than in Detroit.
- Boston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 32% lower compared to Detroit, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Boston and Detroit (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 112% higher in Massachusetts than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Detroit and Boston:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Boston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Boston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Boston.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Boston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Boston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Boston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Boston.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Boston
| Detroit | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 675,647 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 86 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 39.88 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 60.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boston’s population is about 6% greater than Detroit.
- Boston’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Boston is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boston’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 39.88 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 60.12 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Boston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Massachusetts doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Athens of America, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
Once you’re settled into your new home in Massachusetts, it’s time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Boston?
The best time to move from Detroit to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Boston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Detroit to Boston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Detroit to Boston take?
Moving from Detroit, MI to Boston, covers 705 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Detroit movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Boston.
Which movers in Detroit give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Detroit?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 22 movers in Detroit advertise piano moving expertise. 8 movers in Detroit provide antique moving services. State totals show 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
Popular Michigan routes
- Michigan to Massachusetts car shippers
- Michigan to California movers
- Michigan to Florida movers
- Michigan to Georgia movers
- Michigan to Illinois movers
- Michigan to New York movers
- Michigan to North Carolina movers
- Michigan to Ohio movers
- Michigan to Pennsylvania movers
- Michigan to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!