Highly rated local moving companies for Madison to Detroit moves
Organizing a move from Madison to Detroit can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating five local movers in Madison known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Madison to Detroit.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Detroit?
On average, moving companies in Wisconsin charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,057 – $2,997 | $673 – $1,476 | $391 – $700 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,943 – $5,114 | $1,205 – $2,315 | $406 – $847 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,314 – $6,956 | $1,507 – $2,819 | $485 – $930 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Detroit
When planning a move to Detroit from Madison, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,057 and $2,997. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,943 and $5,114 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,314 to $6,956.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Detroit
When you’re heading from Madison to Detroit, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $673 and $1,476. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,205 and $2,315. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,507 to $2,819. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Wisconsin easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Detroit
A moving rental truck from Madison to Detroit 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 $391 to $700. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $406 to $847, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Madison to Detroit costs around $485 to $930.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Detroit
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Detroit may only cost $1,496, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,517.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Madison.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($391–$908), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Madison to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 9% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $6,687 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 22% less expensive in Detroit than in Madison, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 80% cheaper in Detroit than in Madison.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 40% less in Detroit than in Madison.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Detroit, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Detroit, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 23% higher than in Madison.
- Detroit has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 175%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Detroit surpass those in Madison by 9%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 44% less in Michigan compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus Detroit:
| Living Expense | Madison | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Detroit.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Detroit.
How life is different in Madison vs. Detroit
| Madison | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 52 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 137% greater than Madison.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
- Detroit and Madison are similarly walkable.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 72.92 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 27.08 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Costs across Madison and Detroit are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Detroit. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Detroit
With your sights set on America’s Comeback City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Detroit. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Detroit is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Madison to Detroit?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Detroit. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Detroit?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Detroit? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Madison to Detroit take?
The 436-mile move from Madison, WI, to Detroit, , takes one to four days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Madison?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Madison provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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