($1,458) Cost to Move From Seattle, WA to Detroit, MI

1. Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
5. Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Seattle to Detroit

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Seattle to Detroit, you can expect to spend between $1,458 and $5,703. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,959 to $8,677 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Seattle to Detroit typically runs between $7,362 and $13,548.

Cost of moving containers from Seattle to Detroit

When moving from Seattle to Detroit, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,199 and $3,257. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,309 to $4,648. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,205 up to $6,053. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Washington.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to Detroit

Renting a moving truck in Seattle is usually your cheapest option to get to Detroit. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,316 and $2,569. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,410 and $2,908. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,852 and $3,823.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 37% lower in Detroit than in Seattle, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 91% lower in Detroit than in Seattle.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 51% less in Detroit than in Seattle.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Detroit, where the cost of living for a single person is 33% less than in Seattle.
• Moving to Detroit could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 32% less than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in Detroit is 89% higher compared to Seattle, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 42% lower in Detroit than in Seattle. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Detroit can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Michigan has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

• Detroit’s population is about 13% less than Seattle.
• Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Seattle’s score of 8.
• Detroit is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Seattle’s 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71.
• Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Seattle with a score of 72.92 compared to Seattle’s 58.88. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
• Detroit is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 27.08 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
• Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Seattle it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Michigan doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Detroit smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new Michigan home, it’s time to see what Detroit is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Detroit offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.