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Michigan to Delaware Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 805 mile interstate move from Michigan to Delaware? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Delaware across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Pasties vs Scrapple), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Delaware), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-Style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Scrapple & Chicken
  • Delaware housing costs are 61% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Delaware is 27.60% more expensive than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Delaware will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Delaware movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to Delaware Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Delaware

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Rust belt economy
  • Higher state taxes
  • Urban congestion
ProsDelaware iconDelaware
  • Milder climate
  • Business-friendly state
  • No sales tax
  • Quieter communities

Delaware iconDelaware
  • No Great Lakes access
  • Less snowfall
  • Fewer historic landmarks
  • Smaller cultural scene
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Great Lakes beauty
  • Distinct seasons
  • Rich automotive history
  • Diverse cultural events

Pros of moving from Michigan to Delaware

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a rust belt economy and moving to Delaware with a business-friendly state
  • Swap the higher state taxes of Michigan for no sales tax in Delaware
  • Get ready for quieter communities in Delaware

Cons of moving from Michigan to Delaware

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the Great Lakes beauty in Michigan to live with no Great Lakes access in Delaware
  • You'll lose out on the pro of distinct seasons and have to settle with the con of less snowfall
  • Time to bid farewell to rich automotive history and get used to fewer historic landmarks in Delaware
  • Swap diverse cultural events for a smaller cultural scene

Michigan vs. Delaware: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganDelaware
Most iconic local food itemPastiesScrapple
Most popular meat dishDetroit-Style PizzaChicken
Most popular street food itemConey DogItalian Sub
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenSeitan BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Harry's Savoy Grill
  • Big Fish Grill
  • Chesapeake & Maine
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 Michigan to Delaware, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Scrapple of Delaware. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-Style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dog, Delaware residents know they have tasty Chicken and Italian Sub to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan BBQ of Delaware. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Bell's Eccentric CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Delaware, don't wait too long before making your way to Delaware's acclaimed eateries like Harry's Savoy Grill, Big Fish Grill, and Chesapeake and Maine.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Delaware

ComparisonMichiganDelaware
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Cape Cod
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 listingNatural surroundings, Lake accessProximity to beaches, Historic charm
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Delaware.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference natural surroundings and lake access, Delaware real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and historic charm.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Delaware is less walkable than Michigan.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Delaware is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Delaware has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Delaware housing costs are 61% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $385,745 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Delaware have increased by 42% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Delaware is 27.60% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganDelaware
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79/5885/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1844/28
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.845.7
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.6620.2
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Delaware. Delaware gets 18% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Delaware has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Delaware is 6 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Delaware. Delaware receives 12.9 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Delaware

ComparisonMichiganDelaware
Avg. Household Income$66,986$82,174
Cost of Living Index91.2102.45
State Income Tax4.25%6.60%
Avg. Property Tax1.54%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%0.00%
Top 3 IndustriesAutomotive, Manufacturing, AgricultureFinance, Healthcare, Chemical Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyPrevalentLess Common
HomelessnessVisibleMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Delaware tend to earn about 23% more than those in Michigan
  • The COLI in Delaware will be 12% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in DE is 6.60% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in Delaware is high compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
  • The poverty level is less common in Delaware compared to prevalent poverty in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Michigan and minimal in Delaware

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Delaware

ComparisonMichiganDelaware
Political Make-upMixed, with a slight Democratic lean in recent electionsLeans Democratic, especially in presidential elections
Local PoliticsVaries by region; urban areas are more liberal, rural areas are more conservativeMore uniform, with liberal policies especially in urban centers like Wilmington
ReligionChristianity predominates, with significant Catholic and Protestant populationsChristianity is major, but with a higher percentage of people without religious affiliation
  • Michigan tends to lean mixed, with a slight Democratic lean in its political climate
  • Delaware, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, especially in presidential elections
  • Delaware's religious environment can be described as Christianity being major, but with a higher percentage of people without religious affiliation
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominating, with significant Catholic and Protestant populations

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Delaware

ComparisonMichiganDelaware
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBates Elementary School (Dexter)
Musson Elementary School (Rochester)
Deerfield Elementary School (Novi)
Odyssey Charter School (Wilmington)
Charter School of Wilmington
Newark Charter School (Newark)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWest Middle School (Rochester)
East Middle School (Farmington Hills)
Millennium Middle School (South Lyon)
Odyssey Charter School (Wilmington)
Conrad Schools of Science (Wilmington)
Newark Charter School (Newark)
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
City Middle/High School (Grand Rapids)
Troy High School (Troy)
Charter School of Wilmington
Odyssey Charter School (Wilmington)
Cab Calloway School of the Arts (Wilmington)
Top 3 private high schoolsCranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Detroit Country Day (Beverly Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
St. Andrew's School (Middletown)
Sanford School (Hockessin)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDetroit Country Day (Beverly Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
Sanford School (Hockessin)
St. Andrew's School (Middletown)
Top 3 School DistrictsNovi Community School District
Troy School District
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Appoquinimink School District
Brandywine School District
Cape Henlopen School District

How Much Do Michigan to Delaware Movers Cost?

Moving 805 miles from Michigan to Delaware 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$1,659300 ft3$5.53
1 Bedroom$2,466450 ft3$5.48
2 Bedrooms$4,072750 ft3$5.43
3 Bedrooms$5,9171100 ft3$5.38
4 Bedrooms$8,5271600 ft3$5.33
5+ Bedrooms$9,5031800 ft3$5.28

Top Michigan to Delaware Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Delaware

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
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