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Virginia to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 801 mile interstate move from Virginia to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs cooler summers), food & health (like Ham vs Cherry Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Ham and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Cherry Pie & Pasties
  • Michigan housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Michigan is 20.75% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving

Virginia to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Michigan

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • High humidity
  • Dense traffic
  • Hurricane threats
  • High cost of living
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Cooler summers
  • Lesser congestion
  • Minimal natural disasters
  • Lower cost of living

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Lack of beaches
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • More snowfall
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Diverse job market
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from Virginia to Michigan

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to cooler summers
  • Look forward to moving away from dense traffic and moving to Michigan with lesser congestion
  • Swap the hurricane threats of Virginia for minimal natural disasters in Michigan
  • Get ready for a lower cost of living in Michigan

Cons of moving from Virginia to Michigan

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich history in Virginia to live with harsh winters in Michigan
  • You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful coastlines and have to settle for the con of a lack of beaches
  • Time to bid farewell to a diverse job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in Michigan
  • Swap mild winters for more snowfall

Virginia vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaMichigan
Most iconic local food itemHamCherry Pie
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQPasties
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosConey Dog
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Leaping Lizard Cafe
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Bell's Eccentric Cafe
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 Virginia to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Mama J's Kitchen, and Leaping Lizard Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Eccentric Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Michigan

ComparisonVirginiaMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, Bungalow
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 listingHardwood floors, granite countertopsLakeside views, spacious yards
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Bungalow architecture typical of Michigan.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and spacious yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Michigan has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Michigan housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Michigan is 20.75% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaMichigan
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/6681/61
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48/2931/17
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4432
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1460+
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Michigan. Michigan gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 5 degrees colder than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Michigan

ComparisonVirginiaMichigan
Avg. Household Income$85,873$66,986
Cost of Living Index96.691.2
State Income Tax5.75%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.82%1.54%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%6%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Technology, DefenceAutomotive, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceComfortableModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessManageableConcern
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 22% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Michigan is 6% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 5.75% in VA
  • The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to comfortable in Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Virginia and a concern in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Michigan

ComparisonVirginiaMichigan
Political Make-upModerately liberal, diverse political landscapeSwing state, with a mix of urban liberal and rural conservative areas
Local PoliticsVaries greatly between urban, suburban, and rural areasStrong union presence, particularly in automotive sectors
ReligionDiverse, with significant Christian majority (Baptist, Methodist)Diverse, with a large Christian majority, notable Muslim communities
  • Virginia tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a mix of urban liberal and rural conservative areas
  • Michigan's religious environment can be described as diverse with a large Christian majority and notable Muslim communities
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant Christian majority (Baptist and Methodist)

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Michigan

ComparisonVirginiaMichigan
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School - Arlington
Stenwood Elementary - Vienna
Nottingham Elementary - Arlington
Bates Elementary - Dexter
Spring Mills Elementary - Highland
Deerfield Elementary - Novi
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle - Falls Church
Frost Middle - Fairfax
Cooper Middle - McLean
Stevenson Middle - Westland
Boulan Park Middle - Troy
Meads Mill Middle - Northville
Top 3 High SchoolsThomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology - Alexandria
McLean High - McLean
Langley High - McLean
International Academy - Bloomfield Hills
Troy High - Troy
Novi High - Novi
Top 3 private high schoolsThomas Jefferson School - Richmond
Norfolk Academy - Norfolk
The Potomac School - McLean
Detroit Country Day School - Beverly Hills
Cranbrook Schools - Bloomfield Hills
Roeper School - Birmingham
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Potomac School - McLean
Flint Hill School - Oakton
Norfolk Academy - Norfolk
Cranbrook Schools - Bloomfield Hills
Detroit Country Day School - Beverly Hills
Roeper School - Birmingham
Top 3 School DistrictsFairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Birmingham Public Schools

How Much Do Virginia to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 801 miles from Virginia to Michigan 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,657300 ft3$5.52
1 Bedroom$2,462450 ft3$5.47
2 Bedrooms$4,066750 ft3$5.42
3 Bedrooms$5,9091100 ft3$5.37
4 Bedrooms$8,5151600 ft3$5.32
5+ Bedrooms$9,4901800 ft3$5.27

Top Virginia to Michigan Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Michigan

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details

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