Best Indianapolis to Detroit Movers

How Much Do Indianapolis to Detroit Movers Cost?

Moving 286 miles from Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Detroit from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Detroit moving option

Hire local Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN to Detroit, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 29 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Indianapolis and Detroit areas.

From these 29 companies, we analyzed a total of 6,229 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 29 companies and 135 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~6,000 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 3,253 Indianapolis 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 You Move Me Indianapolis) vs older more established companies (like Soft Touch Moving).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Indianapolis 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.

8.42/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 3,584 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.05/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 1,093 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.39/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 633 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.24/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 1,116 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.57/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 474 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.54/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 1,422 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.92/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 2,005 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.17/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 3,665 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.29/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 2,095 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.72/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 496 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.77/10 avg (Indianapolis & Detroit combined) from 1,564 reviews

From Indianapolis to Detroit: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Broad Ripple in Indianapolis & Corktown in Detroit are both known for their: local bars & restaurants
• Indianapolis' Fountain Square neighborhood & Detroit's Greektown both share: nightlife & event spaces
• If you're moving from Mass Ave District, check out Midtown in the Detroit area for the: art galleries & theatres
• Do you enjoy Lockerbie Square's Victorian-era homes & historic charm? You're sure to love Brush Park
• Move from Meridian-Kessler to Palmer Woods and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: upscale residential & tree-lined
• Irvington Historic District & Indian Village are both known for their: early 20th-century homes & community vibe
• Indianapolis' Fletcher Place neighborhood & Detroit's West Village neighborhood both have: renovated rowhouses & local eateries

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Detroit

ConsIndianapolis, IN

• Higher crime rate
• Less diverse economy
• Smaller cultural scene
• Less sports engagement

ProsDetroit, MI

• Rich music scene
• More job opportunities
• Larger cultural diversity
• Loyal sports community

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Detroit, MI

• Higher living costs
• Busier city atmosphere
• More traffic congestion
• Less personal space

Indianapolis, IN

• Lower cost of living
• Quieter city life
• Easy navigation
• Community feel

Pros of moving from Indianapolis to Detroit

• Say goodbye to higher crime rate and hello to a rich music scene
• Look forward to moving away from a less diverse economy and moving to Detroit with more job opportunities
• Swap the smaller cultural scene of Indianapolis for a larger cultural diversity in Detroit
• Get ready for a loyal sports community in Detroit

Cons of moving from Indianapolis to Detroit

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Indianapolis to live with higher living costs in Detroit
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter city life and have to settle with the con of a busier city atmosphere
• Time to bid farewell to easy navigation and get used to more traffic congestion in Detroit
• Swap community feel for less personal space

Indianapolis vs. Detroit: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Indianapolis to Detroit, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis for the equally delicious Detroit-style Pizza of Detroit. And while the locals in Indianapolis rave about their flavorful Beef Brisket and sumptuous Elote, Detroit residents know they have tasty Coney Dogs and Greek 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 Chickpea Shawarma of Detroit. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indianapolis eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth. After the boxes are unpacked in Detroit, don't wait too long before making your way to Detroit's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Supino Pizzeria, and Selden Standard.

When comparing lifestyles, Detroit shows an equal emphasis on fitness and health consciousness compared to Indianapolis. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Detroit compared to what you are used to in Indianapolis. Also, the overall foodie scene is more 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 Indianapolis favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Eagle in Indianapolis, we're sure you'll love London Chop House, Selden Standard, and Batch Brewing Company in Detroit. See our Detroit restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Indianapolis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Milktooth, head to Rose's Fine Food on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indianapolis and Detroit

• The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Indianapolis is known for will be replaced with the Art Deco and Bungalow architecture typical of Detroit.
• Compared to Indianapolis's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and quiet neighborhoods, Detroit real estate listings often highlight features like being close to public transport and historic properties.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes because Detroit is more walkable than Indianapolis.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike, as Detroit is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis.
• Detroit has more of an urban feel than Indianapolis.
• Detroit housing costs are 68% less expensive than they are in Indianapolis, with a median home price of $71,547 compared to Indianapolis’s $224,099.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Detroit have increased by 60% compared to a 60% increase in Indianapolis.
• Rent in Detroit is 7.49% more affordable than in Indianapolis.

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 Indianapolis and Detroit

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Indianapolis to Detroit. Detroit gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Indianapolis.
• Detroit has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Indianapolis.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indianapolis, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Detroit.
• The average summer high temperature in Detroit is 2 degrees colder than in Indianapolis.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Indianapolis.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Detroit, as it receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Indianapolis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indianapolis and Detroit

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Detroit tend to earn about 38% less than those in Indianapolis
• The COLI in Detroit is 14% higher than what you are used to living in Indianapolis
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 3.23 in IN
• The affluence in Detroit is lower compared to moderate affluence in Indianapolis
• The poverty level is high in Detroit compared to moderate poverty in Indianapolis
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indianapolis and high in Detroit

Political and Religious Climate in Indianapolis vs. Detroit

• Indianapolis tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Detroit, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Detroit's religious environment can be described as mixed with notable interfaith councils
• Indianapolis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a strong interfaith community

Indianapolis vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 4% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Detroit compared to your Indianapolis daily drive. That's an annual savings of 520 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Detroit to be worse than it is in Indianapolis.
• Public transit is more readily available in Detroit.