Quick answer: The cost to move from Detroit to Boston ranges from $685 to $7,410 and the journey will take approximately one to six days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 705-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Boston to Detroit guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Detroit to Boston
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Detroit to Boston 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 MA move
The top local movers servicing 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. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Detroit who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Detroit to Boston.
- 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 Boston?
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 | $1,533 - $4,978 | $959 - $2,210 | $674 - $1,204 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,906 - $7,410 | $1,627 - $3,187 | $685 - $1,487 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,253 - $9,753 | $2,223 - $4,182 | $858 - $1,715 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Massachusetts
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Massachusetts, you can expect to spend between $1,533 and $4,978. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,906 to $7,410 on the same route (MI to MA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Michigan to Massachusetts typically runs between $5,253 and $9,753.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Massachusetts
If you're moving from Michigan to Massachusetts, expect to pay between $959 and $2,210 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,627 up to $3,187. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,223 and $4,182. 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 Michigan to Massachusetts
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $674 and $1,204 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $685 to $1,487. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $858 to $1,715.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Boston
What to know before moving from Detroit to Boston
Moving from Detroit to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Boston 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 | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $3,400 |
Average home value | $73,156 | $739,121 |
Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $89,212 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $4,820 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $11,304 |
Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.25% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 9.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Boston, since prices are typically 172% higher than in Detroit.
- The home prices in Boston are 910.3% 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 Boston, where incomes are, on average, 136.3% higher than in Detroit. Major employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 92.8% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 69.0% higher than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Boston is 31.57% lower than in Detroit.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Boston, since its sales taxes are 4.17% higher than what you are paying in Detroit.
- State income taxes in Boston are 111.76% higher than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,784.00 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Boston
Boston | Detroit | |
---|---|---|
Population | 675,647 | 639,111 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 7 |
Walkability score | 98 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 86 | 52 |
Crime Index | 39.88 | 72.92 |
Safety Index | 60.12 | 27.08 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boston's population is about 6% greater than Detroit.
- Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's lower 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 they are 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 vs. Boston move
- 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you've chosen Athens of America as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Boston to check out.
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
Now that you've made the move to Massachusetts it's the perfect time to explore Boston From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Boston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Boston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Boston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak 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?
Covering 705 miles, the move from Detroit, MI to Boston, MA typically takes one to six days. Some Detroit movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Boston can help bridge the gap.