Top-rated local movers that handle Detroit to Cleveland moves
When planning a move from Detroit to Cleveland, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 36 local movers in Detroit who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Detroit to Cleveland.
- 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 Cleveland?
Movers in Michigan charge 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 | $655 – $2,573 | $533 – $1,196 | $176 – $304 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,237 – $3,737 | $954 – $1,675 | $183 – $358 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,676 – $4,886 | $1,268 – $2,091 | $236 – $398 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Cleveland
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Cleveland, you can expect to spend between $655 and $2,573. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,237 to $3,737 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Detroit to Cleveland typically runs between $1,676 and $4,886.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Cleveland
When moving from Detroit to Cleveland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $533 and $1,196. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $954 to $1,675. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,268 up to $2,091. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Cleveland
Renting a moving truck in Detroit is usually your cheapest option to get to Cleveland. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $176 and $304. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $183 and $358. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $236 and $398.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Detroit to Cleveland
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $951, but larger homes can run up to $4,118.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Detroit.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($176–$387) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Cleveland
Overall, Detroit and Cleveland land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,490 in Cleveland and $2,500 in Detroit, while families in Cleveland see $6,729 versus $6,687 in Cleveland.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Detroit | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,338 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $2,733 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $108,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $64,965 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,490 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $6,729 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.5% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Detroit to Cleveland, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 48% higher in Cleveland than in Detroit.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 72% higher in Cleveland compared to Detroit, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Cleveland and Detroit, you shouldn’t see much difference.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Cleveland and Detroit, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Cleveland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 25% lower than that of Detroit. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 33% higher in Cleveland than in Detroit. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 18% lower in Ohio compared to Michigan. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Detroit with Cleveland:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $310.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $48.93 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $55.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Detroit than in Cleveland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Cleveland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Cleveland.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Cleveland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Cleveland.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Detroit than in Cleveland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Cleveland.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Cleveland
| Detroit | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 372,624 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 57 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 52 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 63.41 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 36.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Cleveland’s population is about 42% less than Detroit.
- Cleveland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Cleveland is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- Both Cleveland and Detroit have similar bike-friendliness scores (52 vs 52), meaning Cleveland is about as safe for cyclists as Detroit. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Cleveland’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 63.41 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Cleveland is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 36.59 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Cleveland is Moderate, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Cleveland move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Cleveland smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Cleveland
Now that you’ve chosen America’s North Coast as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Cleveland to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tremont
- Ohio City
- Detroit-Shoreway
- Clark-Fulton
- Waterloo
Best neighborhoods for families
- Edgewater
- Jefferson
- Kamm’s Corner
- Ohio City
- Old Brooklyn
Things to do in Cleveland
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Cleveland is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Cleveland offers cultural landmarks like the A Christmas Story House, African American Museum, ARTneo, and Artists Archives of the Western Reserve.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Edgewater Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Rocky River Reservation — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Cleveland Browns (NFL)Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)Cleveland Guardians (MLB)Cleveland Monsters (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Cleveland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Cleveland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Detroit are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Cleveland?
Because spring and fall moves from Detroit to Cleveland are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Cleveland take?
A move of 169 miles from Detroit, MI to Cleveland, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Detroit sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Cleveland is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Detroit?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Detroit offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 22 movers in Detroit have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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