Highly rated local moving companies for Milwaukee to Detroit moves
Organizing a move from Milwaukee 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 11 local movers in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Detroit.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hernia Movers Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Brothers Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 689374
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 49
DOT #: 246074
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2301274
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee 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 | $1,014 – $3,082 | $644 – $1,452 | $351 – $657 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,783 – $4,892 | $1,085 – $2,206 | $374 – $719 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,032 – $6,839 | $1,453 – $2,731 | $489 – $943 |
Cost to hire movers from Milwaukee to Detroit
When planning a move to Detroit from Milwaukee, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,014 and $3,082. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,783 and $4,892 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,032 to $6,839.
Cost of moving containers from Milwaukee to Detroit
When you’re heading from Milwaukee to Detroit, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $644 and $1,452. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,085 and $2,206. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,453 to $2,731. 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 Milwaukee to Detroit
A moving rental truck from Milwaukee 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 $351 to $657. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $374 to $719, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Milwaukee to Detroit costs around $489 to $943.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Milwaukee to Detroit
The cost of Milwaukee movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Detroit may only cost $1,377, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,984.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Milwaukee.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($351–$860), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 24% higher for singles and 35% higher for families than Milwaukee.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Milwaukee versus $2,022 in Milwaukee; families pay $6,687 compared with $4,963.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Milwaukee | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.25% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Detroit from Milwaukee with rent being about the same in each state.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 64% cheaper in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 24% less in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Detroit, with the cost of living for a single person being 24% more than in Milwaukee. 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 35% higher than in Milwaukee.
- Detroit has a higher unemployment rate than Milwaukee by about 22%. 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 Milwaukee by 22%. 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 Milwaukee versus Detroit:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Milwaukee than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Milwaukee than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Milwaukee than in Detroit.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Milwaukee than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Milwaukee than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Milwaukee than in Detroit.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Detroit
| Milwaukee | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 52 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 11% greater than Milwaukee.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Milwaukee’s score of 8.
- Detroit is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Milwaukee’s 62 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 Milwaukee, which has a score of 58.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Milwaukee with a score of 72.92 compared to Milwaukee’s 66.76. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Milwaukee with a score of 27.08 vs Milwaukee’s 33.24.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Milwaukee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Costs across Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Detroit?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Milwaukee to Detroit. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Detroit?
Want to save on your move from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Detroit take?
The 382-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Detroit, , takes one to four days. Some Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Milwaukee provide piano moving services. 2 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
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