Top-rated movers to make your Philadelphia to Detroit move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Philadelphia that offers long-distance services to Detroit can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 68 top local movers in Philadelphia who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Philadelphia to Detroit.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Detroit?
In Pennsylvania, moving services typically cost around $143 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,156 – $3,076 | $668 – $1,694 | $428 – $847 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,931 – $5,176 | $1,292 – $2,461 | $457 – $1,036 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,701 – $7,116 | $1,591 – $3,054 | $600 – $1,251 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Detroit
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Detroit from Philadelphia, you can expect prices to land between $1,156 and $3,076. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,931 to $5,176 for the trip from Philadelphia to Detroit. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,701 and $7,116.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Detroit
Moving containers from Philadelphia to Detroit will cost you $668 to $1,694 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,292 to $2,461. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,591 to $3,054. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Detroit
Renting a moving truck from Philadelphia to Detroit typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $428 and $847 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $457 to $1,036. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $600 to $1,251.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Detroit move
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,566 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,406 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Philadelphia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $428 to $1,061, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about -2% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Philadelphia versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $6,687 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.25% |
- When relocating from Philadelphia to Detroit, expect to find rent about 26% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 66% more affordable in Detroit compared to Philadelphia.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 47% lower in Detroit compared to Philadelphia.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Detroit and Philadelphia is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- If you’re moving your family to Detroit, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 8% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit is about 15% lower than in Philadelphia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 25% less in Detroit relative to Philadelphia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 38% above those in Pennsylvania. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Philadelphia and Detroit:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Detroit.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Detroit
| Philadelphia | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 52 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 60% less than Philadelphia.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Detroit is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Philadelphia with a score of 72.92 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Philadelphia with a score of 27.08 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Detroit. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Detroit
Planning your move to America’s Comeback City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Detroit features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Detroit?
Planning your move from Philadelphia to Detroit? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Detroit?
Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Detroit take?
The 584-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Detroit, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Detroit.
Are there special savings available from movers in Philadelphia?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Philadelphia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Philadelphia, 53 movers can manage piano relocations. 41 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Pennsylvania has 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Philadelphia moving services
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