Movers

DC to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 720 mile interstate move from DC to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Half-Smoke vs Coney Dog), real estate & housing (victorian, federal vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-Smoke and Fried Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Coney Dog & Pasties
  • Michigan housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Michigan is 39.55% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended DC to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving

DC to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Michigan

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Political climate
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Affordable housing
  • Lighter traffic
  • Diverse outdoor activities

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Less historical landmarks
  • Lack of public transport
  • Fewer museums
DC iconDC
  • Rich history & culture
  • Abundant public transport
  • National museums

Pros of moving from DC to Michigan

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Michigan with lighter traffic
  • Swap the political climate of DC for diverse outdoor activities in Michigan

Cons of moving from DC to Michigan

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in DC to live with fewer historical landmarks in Michigan
  • You'll lose out on the pro of abundant public transport and have to settle for the con of lack of public transport
  • Time to bid farewell to national museums and get used to fewer museums in Michigan

DC vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCMichigan
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeConey Dog
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenPasties
Most popular street food itemJumbo Slice PizzaConey Dog
Most popular vegan foodMushroom BaoVegan Coney Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • American Coney Island
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Slows Bar BQ
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’Ŗ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie ScenešŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Bao they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Coney Chili of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rosa's Thai Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like American Coney Island, Zingerman's Deli, and Slows Bar BQ.

When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than DC. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan compared to what you are used to in DC. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Michigan.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Michigan

ComparisonDCMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, FederalColonial, Ranch
WalkabilityšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestylešŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļø
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Metro, Historic ValueLake Access, Spacious Yards
  • The Victorian and Federal architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the metro and historic value, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and spacious yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Michigan is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Michigan has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Michigan housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Michigan is 39.55% more affordable than in DC.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between DC and Michigan

ComparisonDCMichigan
Days of Sunshine per Yearā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļø
Avg. Annual HumidityšŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļø
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsSnowstorms, tornadoes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (°F)87°F / 71°F82°F / 62°F
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47°F / 29°F32°F / 18°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40.8"30.7"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.4"60.7"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Michigan. Michigan gets 16% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 5 degrees colder than DC.
  • The average winter lows in Michigan are 11 degrees colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 10.1 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Michigan

ComparisonDCMichigan
Avg. Household Income$101,027$66,986
Cost of Living Index140.191.2
State Income Tax6%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%1.54%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, TourismAutomotive, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceWealthyModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessVisibleLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 34% less than those in DC
  • The COLI in Michigan will be 35% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 6% in DC
  • The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to wealthy in DC
  • The poverty level is high in Michigan compared to moderate in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in DC and low in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Michigan

ComparisonDCMichigan
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticModerately Democratic/Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policies and governanceMixed, varies by region
ReligionDiverse, with no single dominant religionChristianity predominant, but religious diversity present
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Democratic and Republican
  • Michigan's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with religious diversity present
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Michigan

ComparisonDCMichigan
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Janney Elementary
Bates Elementary
Angell Elementary
Plymouth Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
McKinley Middle School
Clague Middle School
Tappan Middle School
Scarlett Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsWilson High School
School Without Walls High School
Banneker High School
International Academy
Pioneer High School
Skyline High School
Top 3 private high schoolsGeorgetown Preparatory School
St. Albans School
Sidwell Friends School
Cranbrook Schools
Detroit Country Day School
Greenhills School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
Maret School
Roeper School
Cranbrook Schools
Detroit Country Day School
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public SchoolsBloomfield Hills Schools
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Forest Hills Public Schools

How Much Do DC to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 720 miles from DC to Michigan will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,611300 ft3$5.37
1 Bedroom$2,394450 ft3$5.32
2 Bedrooms$3,952750 ft3$5.27
3 Bedrooms$5,7411100 ft3$5.22
4 Bedrooms$8,2701600 ft3$5.17
5+ Bedrooms$9,2141800 ft3$5.12

Top DC to Michigan Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best DC to Michigan movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for DC to Michigan

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details