How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to MI move
After studying pricing from 100 Ohio movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Ohio to Michigan?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Ohio to Michigan.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$950 – $3,108 |
$632 – $1,497 |
$328 – $575 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,758 – $4,781 |
$1,123 – $2,018 |
$353 – $740 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,599 – $6,602 |
$1,515 – $2,675 |
$424 – $893 |
*Estimated costs for a 368-mile move from OH to
MI are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to Michigan
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Ohio to Michigan will cost between
$950 and
$3,108.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from OH to MI will
range from $1,758 to
$4,781, and a large move from Ohio
to Michigan will cost from $2,599
to $6,602.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to Michigan
If you’re moving from Ohio to Michigan,
expect to pay between $632
and $1,497 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,123 up to
$2,018.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,515 and
$2,675. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to Michigan
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$328 and
$575.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $353
and $740. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $424 up to
$893 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from OH to MI
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Ohio to Michigan. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Ohio is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from OH to MI
A relocation from Ohio to Michigan comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Ohio vs. Michigan
Comparing expenses in Ohio and Michigan shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Ohio |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$945 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$230,798 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,990 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
94 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.6% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
7.23% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
3.5% |
4.25% |
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Rent in Michigan is approximately 10% higher than in Ohio, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 6% higher in Michigan than in Ohio.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Michigan and Ohio.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Michigan and Ohio, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment in Michigan is about 31% higher than in Ohio. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 17% lower than in Ohio. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Michigan can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 21% higher in Michigan than in Ohio. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Ohio
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Michigan stacks up against Ohio across important lifestyle factors:
|
Michigan |
Ohio |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
11,785,935 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Republican 55-45 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
20ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
28″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
20.76 |
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With a population about 15% smaller than Ohio, Michigan offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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During the last presidential election, both Ohio and Michigan supported the Republican candidate.
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In Michigan, summer highs hover around 81°F, while Ohio sits at 84°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
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During the coldest part of the year, Michigan drops to about 14°F while Ohio only reaches 20°F.
Moving to Michigan with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
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You’ll enjoy about 34 inches of rain each year in Michigan, compared to 40 inches in Ohio.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
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Every year, Michigan gets around 64 inches of snow, much more than the 28 inches that Ohio typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Michigan and Ohio have similar crime rates (19.98 vs. 20.76).
Even with similar state-level crime rates, the distribution of crime can vary widely, so it’s important to research at the city or neighborhood level, as well.
Comparing the pros of Ohio vs. Michigan
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Michigan versus Ohio:
| Pros of living in Ohio |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Scenic beauty |
| Low cost of living |
Good higher education |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Famously delicious beer |
Low cost of living |
| Amazing food |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Ohio vs. Michigan
Moving from Ohio to Michigan comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Ohio |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Low happiness |
Cold snowy winters |
| Limited diversity |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Political division |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Harsh weather |
Expensive education |
| Weird laws |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Ohio to Michigan move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
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Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Michigan moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Michigan
Get ready to discover all that Michigan has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 Ohio to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Ohio to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from Ohio to Michigan?
The main reasons people are moving from Ohio to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Michigan?
Living in Ohio usually costs less than in Michigan.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Ohio,
with average rent about 9% less and home prices 6% lower than in Michigan.
Taxes are also
lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Michigan residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
You should make approximately $54,934 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Michigan.
The cost of living in Michigan is about $3,608 per month for an individual and $6,859 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Ohio?
Some movers in Ohio provide budget-friendly deals.
In Ohio, 6 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 10 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 12 movers.
Law enforcement personnel receive special rate options from 2 companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Ohio to Michigan, expect to spend between
$1,758–$4,781 if using professional movers, about
$1,570 for a moving container, and around
$546
for a rental truck.
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