How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to MI move
After studying pricing from 101 Virginia 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 Virginia to Michigan?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Virginia 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 |
$1,065 – $3,597 |
$764 – $1,818 |
$525 – $960 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,138 – $5,232 |
$1,295 – $2,495 |
$591 – $1,187 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,585 – $7,468 |
$1,720 – $3,491 |
$739 – $1,468 |
*Estimated costs for a 793-mile move from VA 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 Virginia to Michigan
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Virginia to Michigan will cost between
$1,065 and
$3,597.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from VA to MI will
range from $2,138 to
$5,232, and a large move from Virginia
to Michigan will cost from $3,585
to $7,468.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to Michigan
If you’re moving from Virginia to Michigan,
expect to pay between $764
and $1,818 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,295 up to
$2,495.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,720 and
$3,491. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia 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
$525 and
$960.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $591
and $1,187. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $739 up to
$1,468 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to MI
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Virginia 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 Virginia 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 VA to MI
A relocation from Virginia to Michigan comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. Michigan
Comparing expenses in Virginia 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:
|
Virginia |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$1,440 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
5.73% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
5.75% |
4.25% |
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Expect to pay around 28% less in rent in Michigan than in Virginia, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 37% lower in Michigan than in Virginia.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Michigan are about 21% lower than in Virginia.
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Living in Michigan is about 8% cheaper than Virginia. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Michigan is about 62% higher than in Virginia. 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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You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. Virginia and Michigan have similar rates, making your move easier.
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Income taxes are 26% lower in Michigan than in Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Virginia
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 Virginia across important lifestyle factors:
|
Michigan |
Virginia |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
14″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
19.3 |
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Michigan is about 15% more populous than Virginia.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Michigan leaned Republican, while Virginia went with Democratic.
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Michigan averages 81°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 87°F in Virginia.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
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During the coldest part of the year, Michigan drops to about 14°F while Virginia only reaches 25°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 44 inches in Virginia.
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 14 inches that Virginia 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 Virginia have similar crime rates (19.98 vs. 19.3).
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 Virginia vs. Michigan
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Michigan versus Virginia:
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Strong economy |
Scenic beauty |
| Beautiful scenery |
Good higher education |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Low cost of living |
| Strong military presence |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Michigan
Moving from Virginia to Michigan comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| High cost of living |
Cold snowy winters |
| Unpredictable weather |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Bad traffic congestion |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Lack of public transportation |
Expensive education |
| Air noise pollution |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Virginia 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 Virginia to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Michigan?
The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Michigan?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Virginia.
Housing
is more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 28% less and home prices 37% lower than in Virginia.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Virginia 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 Virginia?
Some movers in Virginia provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 3 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Student savings are available through 1 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Virginia to Michigan, expect to spend between
$2,138–$5,232 if using professional movers, about
$1,895 for a moving container, and around
$889
for a rental truck.
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