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Delaware to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 804 mile interstate move from Delaware to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Delaware vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high property taxes vs lower living costs), food & health (like Scrapple vs Coney Dog), real estate & housing (colonial vs mid-century modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Delaware), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Scrapple and Chicken Bog, but get your taste buds ready for Coney Dog & Pasties
  • Michigan housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Delaware
  • Rent in Michigan is 21.63% more affordable than in Delaware
  • Moving from Delaware to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Delaware to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving

Delaware to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Delaware to Michigan

ConsDelaware iconDelaware
  • High property taxes
  • Higher traffic congestion
  • Limited natural attractions
  • Few large cities
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Lower living costs
  • More spacious living
  • Proximity to Great Lakes
  • Vibrant Detroit scene

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Sales tax applied
  • Less community feel
  • Far from the ocean
Delaware iconDelaware
  • Mild climate
  • No sales tax
  • Close-knit communities
  • Beach access

Pros of moving from Delaware to Michigan

  • Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower living costs
  • Look forward to moving away from higher traffic congestion and moving to Michigan with more spacious living
  • Swap the limited natural attractions of Delaware for proximity to the Great Lakes in Michigan
  • Get ready for a vibrant Detroit scene in Michigan

Cons of moving from Delaware to Michigan

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a mild climate in Delaware to live with harsh winters in Michigan
  • You'll lose out on the pro of no sales tax and have to settle for the con of sales tax applied
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a less community feel in Michigan
  • Swap beach access for being far from the ocean

Delaware vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDelawareMichigan
Most iconic local food itemScrappleConey Dog
Most popular meat dishChicken BogPasties
Most popular street food itemItalian Water IceConey Dog
Most popular vegan foodMushroom SandwichVeggie Pasties
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Off the Hook
  • Deer Park Tavern
  • Nage Bistro
  • American Coney Island
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Slows Bar BQ
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Delaware to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Scrapple of Delaware for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in Delaware rave about their flavorful Chicken Bog and sumptuous Italian Water Ice, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Veggie Pasties of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Delaware eateries like Off the Hook, Deer Park Tavern, and Nage Bistro. 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 Delicatessen, and Slows Bar BQ.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Delaware and Michigan

ComparisonDelawareMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleColonialMid-Century Modern
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to beachesLakeside access
  • The Colonial architecture that Delaware is known for will be replaced with the Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Michigan.
  • Compared to Delaware's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside access.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Michigan is more walkable than Delaware.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Michigan is more bike-friendly than Delaware.
  • Michigan has more of an urban feel than Delaware.
  • Michigan housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Delaware with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Delaware’s $385,745.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in Michigan have increased 45% compared to a 42% increase in Delaware.
  • Rent in Michigan is 21.63% more affordable than in Delaware.

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

ComparisonDelawareMichigan
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/6681/61
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44/2832/18
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4532
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2060
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Delaware to Michigan. Michigan gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Delaware.
  • Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Delaware.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware, 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 in Delaware.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Delaware.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 13 fewer inches of rain compared to Delaware.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Delaware and Michigan

ComparisonDelawareMichigan
Avg. Household Income$82,174$66,986
Cost of Living Index102.4591.2
State Income Tax2.2% to 6.6%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.55%1.54%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, EducationManufacturing, Agriculture, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateVariable
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessManageableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 18% less than in Delaware
  • The COLI in Michigan is 11% lower than what you are used to living in Delaware
  • The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 2.2% to 6.6% in DE
  • The affluence in Michigan is variable compared to moderate in Delaware
  • The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in Delaware
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Delaware and concerning in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Delaware vs. Michigan

ComparisonDelawareMichigan
Political Make-upLean DemocraticSwing State, with recent leanings towards Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate Democratic influence in urban and suburban areasLiberal in urban areas like Detroit, conservative in rural areas
ReligionChristian (Catholic/Protestant), Non-religiousChristian (Catholic/Protestant), Non-religious, growing Muslim community
  • Delaware tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with recent leanings towards Democratic
  • Michigan's religious environment can be described as Christian (Catholic/Protestant), Non-religious, and a growing Muslim community
  • Delaware's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic/Protestant) and Non-religious

Education Guide When Moving from Delaware to Michigan

ComparisonDelawareMichigan
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCharter School of Wilmington
Newark Charter School
Odyssey Charter School
International Academy
Okemos Public Schools
Novi Community School District
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCab Calloway School of the Arts
Conrad Schools of Science
Newark Charter School
East Middle School
Boulan Park Middle School
Hillside Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsCharter School of Wilmington
Newark Charter School
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
International Academy
Troy High School
Northville High School
Top 3 private high schoolsTower Hill School
The Tatnall School
Saint Mark's High School
Detroit Country Day School
Cranbrook Schools
Greenhills School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTower Hill School
The Tatnall School
Sanford School
Detroit Country Day School
Cranbrook Schools
Roeper School
Top 3 School DistrictsNewark Charter School District
Appoquinimink School District
Caesar Rodney School District
Novi Community School District
Okemos Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools

How Much Do Delaware to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 804 miles from Delaware to Michigan will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 6.5-15.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,658300 ft3$5.53
1 Bedroom$2,465450 ft3$5.48
2 Bedrooms$4,071750 ft3$5.43
3 Bedrooms$5,9151100 ft3$5.38
4 Bedrooms$8,5241600 ft3$5.33
5+ Bedrooms$9,5001800 ft3$5.28

Top Delaware to Michigan Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Delaware 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 Delaware to Michigan

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
SSW Moving & Junk Removal featured image

SSW Moving & Junk Removal

9.08/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  featured image

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

9.07/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Delaware to Michigan Routes

Wilmington to Michigan