How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to MI move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 50 Minnesota moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Minnesota to Michigan?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Minnesota to Michigan.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,105 – $3,502 |
$666 – $1,559 |
$425 – $877 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,211 – $5,720 |
$1,226 – $2,409 |
$488 – $952 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,890 – $8,226 |
$1,588 – $3,053 |
$633 – $1,197 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 604-mile move from MN to
MI using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to Michigan
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Minnesota to Michigan,
you can expect prices to land between $1,105
and $3,502.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,211 to
$5,720 for the trip from MN
to MI. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,890 and
$8,226.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to Michigan
Moving containers from Minnesota to Michigan
will cost you $666 to
$1,559 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,226
to $2,409. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,588 to
$3,053.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to Michigan
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
$425
and $877
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $488
to $952.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$633
to $1,197.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to MI
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Minnesota to Michigan. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Minnesota generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MN to MI
Making the move from Minnesota to Michigan means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Minnesota vs. Michigan
A clear look at the cost differences between Minnesota and Michigan helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Minnesota |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$1,178 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$334,119 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$84,313 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
94 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
8.03% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
9.85% |
4.25% |
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You’ll pay about 12% less in rent in Michigan compared to Minnesota, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Michigan are around 26% lower than in Minnesota. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 19% lower Michigan than in Minnesota.
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Since living costs in Michigan and Minnesota are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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Unemployment in Michigan is roughly 38% higher than in Minnesota. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 25% lower than in Minnesota. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Michigan could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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Income taxes in Michigan are 57% lower than in Minnesota. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Minnesota
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Michigan and Minnesota compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Michigan |
Minnesota |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
5,737,915 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
2ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
29″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
22.47 |
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Michigan has a population that’s about 75% larger than Minnesota.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
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In the latest presidential election, Michigan voted Republican, while Minnesota chose Democratic.
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Summer highs average 81°F in Michigan, compared to 81°F in Minnesota.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Michigan has winter lows around 14°F, compared to 2°F in Minnesota.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
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You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan and 29 inches in Minnesota.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
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Each year, Michigan gets about 64 inches of snow, while Minnesota sees only 47 inches.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Moving to Michigan means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 19.98 versus Minnesota’s 22.47, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. Michigan
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Michigan compared to Minnesota:
| Pros of living in Minnesota |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Scenic beauty |
| Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities |
Good higher education |
| Multitudinous lakes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Diverse festivals |
Low cost of living |
| Friendly people |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota vs. Michigan
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Minnesota to Michigan:
| Cons of living in Minnesota |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Bland food |
Cold snowy winters |
| Cold snowy winters |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Terrible traffic |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| High tax burden |
Expensive education |
| Thick accents |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Minnesota to Michigan move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
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Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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State licensing:
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a Michigan moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
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Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Michigan
You’ll have plenty to explore in Michigan! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Minnesota to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Minnesota to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to Michigan?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Minnesota for Michigan, drawn by advantages like scenic beauty and good higher education that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Michigan?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Minnesota.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 12% less and home prices 26% lower than in Minnesota.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Minnesota residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Michigan, you should aim to make around $54,934.
On average, expect to spend about $3,608 per month, or $6,859 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Minnesota?
Many movers in Minnesota publish special-rate programs:
4 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Minnesota moving services
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For a move from Minnesota to Michigan, budget between $2,211–$5,720 for full-service movers, around
$1,817 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$720
for a rental truck.
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