($467+) Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ Movers
Moving from Detroit, MI, to Jersey City, NJ, runs anywhere from $467 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,862 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 612 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,415, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,862 or more.
- Moving containers run $970 - $3,160, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $467 - $1,251.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Detroit, MI, to Jersey City, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,309 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ
There are 3 main ways to move from Detroit to Jersey City: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,309 - $5,415. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 78% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 612 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 612-mile route from Detroit to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,415 - $3,956 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($970 - $1,732), rental truck ($467 - $839), or freight trailer ($900 - $1,559). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,309 - $5,415 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,862.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ
Full-service movers for the 612-mile relocation from Detroit, Michigan, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $1,415 and $7,862. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $334 - $2,224, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Detroit typically charge a base rate around $248 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Detroit to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,415 - $3,956
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,309 - $5,415
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,830 - $7,862
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Detroit to Jersey City.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jersey City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $556 - $5,560 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage | $222 - $1,334/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $334 - $2,669 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,112 - $3,336 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,780 - $11,120 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $833 - $1,582 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,112 - $2,780 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Men on the Move | $890 - $3,892 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $334 - $1,668 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $723 - $2,224 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $334 - $16,680+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $334 - $3,892+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Detroit to Jersey City?
All three below meet the standards set by the New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association, the group most New Jersey movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Detroit, MI. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $970 and $3,160. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Detroit costs roughly $85/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $970 - $1,732
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,269 - $2,469
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,160
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Detroit, MI and Jersey City, NJ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $778 in Detroit, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $167 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan to New Jersey move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $970. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,269 - $2,469.
What are the best moving containers Detroit to Jersey City?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Detroit to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Detroit:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
- O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.3/5), 44 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.6/5), 34 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ
Renting a moving truck for the 612-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Jersey City, New Jersey, costs between $467 and $1,251, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $217 - $247
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Detroit daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Detroit to Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $467 - $839
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $514 - $1,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $593 - $1,251
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Detroit to Jersey City starts at $467 - $1,251, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($217 - $247), overnight lodging ($167/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $167 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $72 and $361 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $217 - $247 in fuel for the 612-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $778 in Detroit, Michigan, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Detroit to Jersey City?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Detroit, Michigan, to Jersey City, New Jersey, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,045 and $1,976.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,045 - $1,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,553
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Detroit, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $778.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $83 and $167 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Jersey City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Detroit on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Detroit, MI | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 140 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $79,675 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $39,575/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.25% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 27.08/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jersey City, NJ to Detroit, MI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to New Jersey, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Michigan alone has 173 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 612-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Detroit, MI, to Jersey City, NJ, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,415 - $7,862 on the 612-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $970 - $3,160, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $467 - $1,251. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,309 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Detroit, MI, to Jersey City, NJ
How much does it cost to move from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ?
Costs on this route range from around $467 to $7,862, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,415 and $7,862, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Jersey City?
Jersey City has a walkability score of 87 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 64, compared to 51 and 52 in Detroit. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($217 - $247), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $167/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations.
What is the best time of year to move from Detroit, MI to Jersey City, NJ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.