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 31 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Columbus and Detroit areas.

From these 31 companies, we analyzed a total of 8,403 reviews dating all the way back to July 2008.

We also reviewed a total of 8 state and federal moving licenses from these 31 companies and 163 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~8,000 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 2,606 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 Blue Men Moving LLC).

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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.

8.76/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 4,537 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.30/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 1,417 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.79/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 753 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.61/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 1,435 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.17/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 488 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.79/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 1,661 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.11/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 2,635 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.50/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 4,417 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.55/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 2,629 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.28/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 426 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.23/10 avg (Columbus & Detroit combined) from 1,967 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 Restaurant & Bistro, Hot Chicken Takeover, and Northstar Café in Columbus, we're sure you'll love Marais, Batch Brewing Company, and Detroit Vegan Soul 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 Huddle 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. 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 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

Columbus vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 4% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Detroit compared to your Columbus commute. That's 520 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Detroit to be worse than it is in Columbus.
• Public transit is more readily available in Detroit.