When planning a move from West Virginia to Michigan, professional movers typically run between
$2,260 and $5,200, a moving container averages about
$1,923, and a rental truck is around
$794.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,133 – $3,564 | $682 – $1,665 | $495 – $917 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,260 – $5,200 | $1,278 – $2,569 | $499 – $1,089 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,704 – $7,606 | $1,659 – $3,172 | $622 – $1,203 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,133 – $3,564
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,260 – $5,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,704 – $7,606
How much do moving containers cost from West Virginia to Michigan?
- Small move: $682 – $1,665
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,278 – $2,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,659 – $3,172
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $495 – $917
- 2–3 bedrooms: $499 – $1,089
- 4+ bedrooms: $622 – $1,203
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 661-mile move from WV to MI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from WV to MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| West Virginia | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $899 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $168,172 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,217 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about 15% higher in Michigan than in West Virginia.
Avg rent: $899 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 46% higher in Michigan than in West Virginia.
Avg home value: $168,172 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 24% higher in Michigan than in West Virginia.
Avg income (per capita): $55,217 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is about the same in West Virginia and Michigan.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in West Virginia and Michigan.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 35% lower in Michigan than in West Virginia.
State income tax: 6.5% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to West Virginia?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Michigan | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 1,782,959 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 45″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 33″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 17.47 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than West Virginia?
Michigan is about 463% more populous than West Virginia — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both West Virginia and Michigan voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (81°F vs. 83°F).
Winter: Michigan is colder on average (14°F vs. 21°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Michigan gets less rain (34″ vs. 45″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 33 inches).
Is Michigan safer than West Virginia?
Michigan has a higher crime index than West Virginia (19.98 vs. 17.47). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to Michigan move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Michigan moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Michigan right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Michigan?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Michigan?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. 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.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
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