Best Columbus to Detroit Movers

How Much Do Columbus to Detroit Movers Cost?

Moving 202 miles from Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 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 Columbus. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Detroit from Columbus 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 Columbus to Detroit moving option

Hire local Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Detroit, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 35 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Columbus and Detroit areas.

From these 35 companies, we analyzed a total of 10,802 reviews dating all the way back to July 2008.

We also reviewed a total of 8 state and federal moving licenses from these 35 companies and 185 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~10,000 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 2,762 Columbus 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 Manifest Shipping Llc) vs older more established companies (like Two Men and a Truck).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Columbus 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.

8.81/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 5,684 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.41/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 1,686 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.89/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 915 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.68/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 1,725 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.26/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 592 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.87/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 2,142 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.16/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 3,399 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.57/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 5,605 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.61/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 3,327 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.17/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 501 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.28/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 2,458 reviews

From Columbus to Detroit: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Short North in Columbus & Midtown in Detroit are both known for their: arts scene & nightlife
• Columbus' University District neighborhood & Detroit's Midtown both share: student population & walkable campus vibe
• If you're moving from German Village, check out Corktown in the Detroit area for the: historic brick homes & preserved architecture
• Do you enjoy Franklinton's arts district & ongoing redevelopment? You're sure to love Corktown
• Move from Victorian Village to Indian Village and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic mansions & tree-lined streets
• Italian Village & Eastern Market are both known for their: art studios & mixed-use lofts
• Columbus' Brewery District neighborhood & Detroit's Eastern Market neighborhood both have: craft breweries & renovated industrial spaces
• If you're moving from Clintonville, look into West Village for the: residential & family-friendly atmosphere
• Do you cherish living in Weinland Park's proximity to center city & transit hubs? Move into Downtown for something similar
• The similar vibes of Merion Village & Woodbridge are both known for: walkable residential with local shops

Pros and Cons of Moving from Columbus to Detroit

ConsColumbus, OH

• Smaller city vibe
• Lower crime rates
• More limited nightlife
• Less industrial history
• Lower job growth

ProsDetroit, MI

• Larger urban area
• Vibrant arts scene
• Diverse dining options
• Rich cultural heritage
• Auto industry hub

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Detroit, MI

• Higher unemployment rate
• Fewer green spaces
• Perceived as less friendly
• Higher living costs
• More chain establishments

Columbus, OH

• Young professional community
• Accessible outdoor activities
• Friendly Midwestern vibe
• Affordable housing market
• Thriving local businesses

Pros of moving from Columbus to Detroit

• Say goodbye to the smaller city vibe and hello to the larger urban area
• Look forward to moving away from the lower crime rates and moving to Detroit with its vibrant arts scene
• Swap the more limited nightlife of Columbus for diverse dining options in Detroit
• Get ready for the rich cultural heritage in Detroit

Cons of moving from Columbus to Detroit

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the young professional community in Columbus to live with a higher unemployment rate in Detroit
• You'll lose out on the pro of accessible outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of fewer green spaces
• Time to bid farewell to the friendly Midwestern vibe and get used to being perceived as less friendly in Detroit
• Swap the affordable housing market for higher living costs

Columbus vs. Detroit: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Columbus to Detroit, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye candies of Columbus for the equally delicious Coney Island hot dog of Detroit. And while the locals in Columbus rave about their flavorful Bahama Mama sausage and sumptuous food truck tacos, Detroit residents know they have tasty barbecue ribs and Greek gyros to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the vegan chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the shawarma cauliflower bites of Detroit. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Columbus eateries like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and The Thurman Café. 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 The Sugar House.

When comparing lifestyles, Detroit shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Columbus. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Detroit compared to what you are used to in Columbus. 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 Columbus favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved The Refectory, Northstar Café, and Hot Chicken Takeover in Columbus, we're sure you'll love The Whitney, The Fly Trap, and Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken in Detroit. See our Detroit restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Columbus hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, head to Sublime on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Columbus and Detroit

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Columbus is known for will be replaced with the Art Deco and Bungalow architecture typical of Detroit.
• Compared to Columbus's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to parks, Detroit real estate listings often highlight features like riverfront views and historic character.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Detroit is less walkable than Columbus.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike since Detroit is less bike-friendly than Columbus.
• Detroit has less of an urban feel than Columbus.
• Detroit housing costs are 71% less expensive than they are in Columbus, with a median home price of $71,547 compared to Columbus’s $243,838.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Detroit have increased by 60% compared to a 61% increase in Columbus.
• Rent in Detroit is 10.48% more affordable than in Columbus.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

1. 1 Corktown: Walkable streets, dog-friendly patios, and easy access to Roosevelt Park and community dog runs make it great for daily walks and socializing.
2. 2 Midtown: A dense, walkable area with plenty of small greenspaces and quick access to the Dequindre Cut trail, plus many pet-friendly apartments and cafes.
3. 3 Downtown/Riverfront: Direct access to the Detroit RiverWalk and Milliken State Park, an urban dog area at Grand Circus Park, and numerous pet-welcoming buildings suit active pets and owners.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Columbus to Detroit. Detroit gets 3% more sunshine days than Columbus.
• Detroit has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Columbus.
• Say goodbye to the possible occasional tornadoes in Columbus, but be on the lookout for potential harsh winter storms in Detroit.
• The average summer high temperature in Detroit is 2 degrees cooler than in Columbus.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Columbus.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Detroit, as Detroit receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Columbus.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Columbus and Detroit

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Detroit tend to earn about 38% less than in Columbus
• The COLI in Detroit will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in Columbus
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 2.92 in OH
• The affluence in Detroit is lower compared to moderate affluence in Columbus
• The poverty level is high in Detroit compared to moderate poverty in Columbus
• In terms of homelessness, it is low to moderate in Columbus and high in Detroit

Political and Religious Climate in Columbus vs. Detroit

• Columbus 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 predominantly Christianity with a sizable Muslim community represented by institutions like the Detroit Interfaith Council
• Columbus' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominantly Christianity with diverse faith communities like the Islamic Center of Columbus