Best Chicago to Detroit Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Detroit Movers Cost?

Moving 284 miles from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Detroit that already have a booked job heading from Detroit to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Detroit from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Detroit moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Detroit moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Detroit movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Detroit move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Detroit movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Detroit moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 44 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Detroit areas.

From these 44 companies, we analyzed a total of 24,866 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 44 companies and 232 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~24,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 19,170 Chicago to Detroit moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Detroit moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.54/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 19,678 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.12/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 7,260 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.64/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 4,288 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.34/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 7,022 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.07/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 3,747 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.77/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 10,325 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.03/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 9,691 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.25/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 18,580 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.43/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 10,714 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.00/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 2,392 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.18/10 avg (Chicago & Detroit combined) from 9,690 reviews

From Chicago to Detroit: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Indian Village in Detroit are both known for their historic homes & riverfront green space
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Detroit's Corktown both share a hip arts scene & trendy eateries
• If you're moving from River North, check out Greektown in the Detroit area for the bustling nightlife & restaurant district
• Do you enjoy Gold Coast's luxury residences in a historic setting? You're sure to love Brush Park
• Move from Old Town to Midtown and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: arts & theater hubs
• Bucktown & Eastern Market are both known for their indie shops & creative markets
• Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood & Detroit's West Village neighborhood both have cozy boutiques & a community feel
• If you're moving from Logan Square, look into Woodbridge for the tree-lined boulevards & bungalow homes
• Do you cherish living in Hyde Park's university & museum district? Move into Midtown for something similar
• The similar vibes of Pilsen & Mexicantown are both known for Mexican culture & street art

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Detroit

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher living costs
• Heavier traffic
• Harsher winters
• Lower job growth

ProsDetroit, MI

• More affordable housing
• Less congested roads
• Milder winters
• Emerging job market

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Detroit, MI

• Quieter nightlife
• Smaller cultural scene
• Less variety in dining
• Reliant on cars

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• Richer cultural scene
• More diverse cuisine
• Better public transport

Pros of moving from Chicago to Detroit

• Say goodbye to higher living costs and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavier traffic and moving to Detroit with less congested roads
• Swap the harsher winters of Chicago for milder winters in Detroit
• Get ready for an emerging job market in Detroit

Cons of moving from Chicago to Detroit

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with quieter nightlife in Detroit
• You'll lose out on the pro of a richer cultural scene and have to settle for the con of a smaller cultural scene
• Time to bid farewell to more diverse cuisine and get used to less variety in dining in Detroit
• Swap better public transport for reliance on cars

Chicago vs. Detroit: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Detroit, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Coney Island hot dog of Detroit. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Detroit residents know they have tasty Detroit-style rib tips and gyros to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the jackfruit BBQ sandwich of Detroit. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Girl & The Goat. After the boxes are unpacked in Detroit, don't wait too long before making your way to Detroit's acclaimed eateries like American Coney Island, Slows Bar BQ, and Supino Pizzeria.

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

Discover Detroit Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Detroit is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Portillo's, and Girl & The Goat in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Marais, Lafayette Coney Island, and Grey Ghost Detroit in Detroit. See our Detroit restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Pequod's Pizza, head to Supino Pizzeria on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Detroit

• The Chicago School and Greystone architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Arts and Crafts and Bungalow architecture typical of Detroit.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to public transit, Detroit real estate listings often highlight features like renovated properties and large yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Detroit is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike since Detroit is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Detroit has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Detroit housing costs are 75% less expensive than they are in Chicago with a median home price of $71,547 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Detroit have increased by 60% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Detroit is 40.12% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

1. Corktown : You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly spaces and businesses, making it easy to enjoy outings with your furry friend.
2. Midtown : You and your pet can take advantage of numerous parks and walkable streets, enhancing your daily adventures together.
3. West Village : This neighborhood offers a welcoming community atmosphere with pet-friendly patios and local green spaces for you to explore with your pet.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Detroit

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Detroit. Detroit gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Detroit has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Detroit.
• The average summer high temperature in Detroit is 1 degree colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Detroit. Detroit receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Detroit

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Detroit tend to earn about 46% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Detroit is 15% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Detroit is less affluent compared to the more affluent level in Chicago
• The poverty level is higher in Detroit compared to the lower level in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Chicago and higher in Detroit

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Detroit

• Chicago tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Detroit, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic
• Detroit's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a notable presence of Christian and Islamic communities
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with significant Catholic and Protestant communities

Chicago vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 29% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Detroit compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 5,200 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Detroit to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Detroit.