How we chose the best moving companies for your UT to MI move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 33 Utah movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Utah to Michigan?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Utah
to Michigan, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,190 – $4,856 |
$1,008 – $2,509 |
$902 – $1,804 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,861 – $6,541 |
$1,745 – $3,630 |
$1,078 – $2,233 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,550 – $9,877 |
$2,453 – $5,110 |
$1,242 – $2,678 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 1,662-mile relocation from UT to
MI, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Utah to Michigan
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Utah to Michigan, you’ll likely pay between
$1,190
and $4,856.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,861 and $6,541
for the same journey (UT to MI).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,550
to $9,877.
Cost of moving containers from Utah to Michigan
When you’re heading from Utah to Michigan, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $1,008 and
$2,509. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,745 and
$3,630. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,453
to $5,110. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Utah easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Utah to Michigan
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$902
to $1,804.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,078
to $2,233, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Utah to Michigan costs around
$1,242 to
$2,678.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from UT to MI
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Utah to Michigan. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Utah when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from UT to MI
If you’re moving to Michigan from Utah, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Utah vs. Michigan
Understanding how costs compare between Utah and Michigan can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Utah |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$1,302 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$517,020 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$86,833 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
105 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.5% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
7.19% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
4.25% |
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Rent in Michigan is around 20% less than in Utah, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
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Here’s some good news for your wallet — home prices in Michigan are about 52% lower than in Utah. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
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Make sure to review your budget before you move. The average incomes in Michigan are about 21% lower than in Utah.
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The cost of living in Michigan is about 12% lower than in Utah. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
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The unemployment rate in Michigan is about 34% higher than in Utah. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 17% lower than in Utah. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Michigan can really help cut down your living expenses.
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Income taxes in Michigan are 14% lower than in Utah. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Utah
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Michigan and Utah line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Michigan |
Utah |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
3,417,734 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Republican 60-40 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
90ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
15″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
43″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
21.37 |
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The population of Michigan is approximately 194% greater than the population of Utah.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential race, both Utah and Michigan leaned Republican.
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Michigan sees average summer highs of 81°F, compared to 90°F in Utah.
Cooler summers mean less extreme heat, lower energy bills, and easier outdoor living.
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Winter temperatures usually fall to 14°F in Michigan and 17°F in Utah.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
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Get ready for about 34 inches of rain each year in Michigan, which is quite a change from the 15 inches you’re used to in Utah.
The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
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Each year, Michigan sees about 64 inches of snowfall, while Utah averages just 43 inches.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
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Michigan is a safer choice than Utah, boasting a lower crime index of 19.98 compared to 21.37.
You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Utah vs. Michigan
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Michigan and Utah:
| Pros of living in Utah |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Robust economic growth |
Scenic beauty |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Good higher education |
| Growing population |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Outdoor paradise |
Low cost of living |
| Diverse |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Utah vs. Michigan
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Utah for Michigan:
| Cons of living in Utah |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Extreme weather |
Cold snowy winters |
| High cost of housing |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Peculiar liquor laws |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Dangerous drivers |
Expensive education |
| Huge emphasis on religious identity |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Utah to Michigan move
-
HOA rules:
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
-
Elevator reservation:
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
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Parking permits:
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
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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 your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Michigan
While you’re in Michigan, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places 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 Utah to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Utah to Michigan?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or,
if you prefer, you can arrange
vehicle transport from Utah to Michigan on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Utah to Michigan?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Utah to Michigan to enjoy all the great benefits Michigan provides, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in Utah or Michigan?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Utah.
Housing
is more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 20% less and home prices 52% lower than in Utah.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Utah residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
Thinking of moving to Michigan on your own? You’ll want to earn around $54,934 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $3,608 per month, or around $6,859 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Utah?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Military members can find special pricing from 1 companies.
Seniors are eligible for savings with 2 movers.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Utah to Michigan, you’ll likely pay between $2,861–$6,541 with professional movers, roughly
$2,687 for a moving container, and about
$1,655
for a rental truck.
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