Best Detroit to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Detroit to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 285 miles from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Detroit. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Detroit entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Detroit to Chicago moving option

Hire local Detroit 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Detroit to Chicago 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 Detroit to Chicago 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 Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 44 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Detroit and Chicago 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 Detroit to Chicago 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 Detroit to Chicago 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 (Detroit & Chicago combined) from 19,678 reviews

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Detroit to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Midtown in Detroit & West Loop in Chicago are both known for their: arts district with dining scene
• Detroit's Downtown neighborhood & Chicago's The Loop both share: central business district & attractions
• If you're moving from Corktown, check out Wicker Park in the Chicago area for the: historic district & nightlife
• Do you enjoy Eastern Market's food market & galleries? You're sure to love West Loop
• Move from Indian Village to Gold Coast and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic mansions & affluent
• Woodbridge & Lincoln Square are both known for their: quiet streets & bungalow homes
• Detroit's Palmer Woods neighborhood & Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood both have: manor-style homes & leafy streets
• If you're moving from Boston-Edison, look into Hyde Park for the: historic homes & tree-lined blocks
• Do you cherish living in West Village's village vibe & brick residences? Move into West Village for something similar
• The similar vibes of Mexican Town & Pilsen are both known for: Latino community & vibrant murals

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Chicago

ConsDetroit, MI

• Higher unemployment
• Lower public transit options
• Fewer cultural activities
• Smaller city

ProsChicago, IL

• Better job market
• Extensive public transit
• Rich cultural scene
• Larger city

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Fewer music genres
• More impersonal
• Scarce parking

Detroit, MI

• Lower cost of living
• Unique music scene
• Close-knit communities
• Ample parking

Pros of moving from Detroit to Chicago

• Say goodbye to higher unemployment and hello to a better job market
• Look forward to moving away from lower public transit options and moving to Chicago with extensive public transit
• Swap the fewer cultural activities of Detroit for a rich cultural scene in Chicago
• Get ready for a larger city in Chicago

Cons of moving from Detroit to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Detroit to live with a higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a unique music scene and have to settle with the con of fewer music genres
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a more impersonal environment in Chicago
• Swap ample parking for scarce parking

Detroit vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Detroit to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Detroit-style Pizza of Detroit for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Detroit rave about their flavorful Coney Dog and sumptuous Shawarma, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Falafel they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Detroit eateries like Selden Standard, Slows Bar BQ, and Supino Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Au Cheval, Giordano’s, and Portillo's.

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Detroit favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Selden Standard, Supino Pizzeria, and Iridescence in Detroit, we're sure you'll love Avec, Spacca Napoli, and Everest in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Detroit hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Slows Bar BQ, head to Smoke Daddy on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Detroit and Chicago

• The Early-American and Modern architecture that Detroit is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago School architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Detroit's real estate listings that commonly reference detached garages and large yards, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Detroit.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Detroit.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Detroit.
• Chicago housing costs are 305% more expensive than they are in Detroit, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Detroit’s $71,547.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 60% increase in Detroit.
• Rent in Chicago is 67.01% more expensive than in Detroit.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Detroit to Chicago. Chicago gets 3% more sunshine days than Detroit.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Detroit.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms in Detroit, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and windstorms in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 1 degree warmer than in Detroit.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Detroit.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Chicago. Chicago receives 3.4 more inches of rain compared to Detroit.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Detroit and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 84% more than in Detroit
• The COLI in Chicago is 18% higher than what you are used to living in Detroit
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 4.25 in MI
• The affluence in Chicago is higher compared to lower affluence in Detroit
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to high poverty in Detroit
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Detroit and moderate in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Detroit vs. Chicago

• Detroit tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with a strong Catholic presence alongside other faiths
• Detroit's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with notable Christian and Muslim communities

Detroit vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 36% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Detroit commute. That's 4,680 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Detroit.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.