$1,409 Movers from Detroit to Boston

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to Boston, MA averages from $642 to $6,741 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Boston, MA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

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

Moving From Detroit to Boston

Moving 706 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best Detroit to Boston Moving Companies

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

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

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
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(855) 929-4120

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

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

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

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

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

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,409 - $4,621 $856 - $2,071 $596 - $1,117
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,697 - $6,741 $1,541 - $3,017 $642 - $1,327
4+ bedrooms $4,686 - $9,527 $2,062 - $3,920 $804 - $1,607
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 706 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 Boston will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Detroit to Boston?

To ship furniture from Detroit to Boston with a mover will cost between $1,409 to $4,621. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,697 to $6,741, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Boston will cost from $4,686 to $9,527.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Boston?

Moving containers from Detroit to Boston will cost you $856 to $2,071 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,541 to $3,017. A larger home will cost $2,062 to $3,920.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Boston?

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 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $596 to $1,117. A larger move will cost $642 to $1,327, and a 4+ bedroom move from Detroit to Boston costs from $804 to $1,607.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit, MI to Boston, MA

Cost of Living: Detroit vs Boston

Detroit Boston
Average rent cost $1,100 $2,525
Average home value $64,450 $718,756
Average income (per capita) $33,965 $79,018
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $1,159
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $4,173
Unemployment rate 10.0% 6.0%
Sales Tax 6.0% 6.25%
State Income Tax 4.25% 5.0%
  • Rent Prices in Boston, MA are 130% higher than in Detroit, MI.
  • Home Prices in Boston, MA are 1,015.2% higher than in Detroit, MI.
  • Income in Boston, MA is 132.6% higher than in Detroit, MI.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Boston, MA is 19.6% higher than in Detroit, MI.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Boston, MA is 25.0% higher than in Detroit, MI.
  • Unemployment rate in Boston, MA is 40.00% lower than in Detroit, MI.
  • Sales Taxes in Boston, MA are 4.17% higher than in Detroit, MI.
  • State Income Taxes in Boston, MA are 17.65% higher than in Detroit, MI.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,411.8 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit, MI to Boston, MA?

Boston Detroit
Population 675,647 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 98 51
Bike friendliness score 86 52
Crime Index 26.45 55.84
Safety Index 62.78 25.97
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Boston’s population is about 6% greater than Detroit.
  • Boston’s public transportation is not as good as Detroit with a score of 9 vs 7.
  • Boston is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 98 vs 51.
  • Boston is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 86 vs 52.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 26.45 compared to 55.84.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 62.78 vs 25.97.
  • Air Quality in Boston is Good, and in Detroit it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Boston, MA

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild..
  • 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Massachusetts 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 forward to Boston. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or 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
4.66 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
11850 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI, 48214
(313) 822-4400

Visit our Best Movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Boston, MA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of America", these are the best neighborhoods in Boston to move to.

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

What to do in Boston

Moving to The “Athens of America”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Massachusetts home.

  • South End
  • Freedom Trail
  • North End
  • Fenway Park
  • Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
  • Boston Public Library
  • Back Bay
  • Harvard Yard
  • Boston Public Garden
  • The ICA

Get your sports on!

Boston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Boston Red Sox (MLB)
  • Boston Bruins (NHL)
  • Boston Celtics (NBA)
  • New England Patriots (NFL)
  • New England Revolution (MLS)

FAQs about moving from Detroit to Boston

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

The best time to move from Detroit to Boston is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF in Boston.

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

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

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