Factors influencing moving costs from Orlando to Detroittoggle

The cost of Orlando movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Orlando to Detroit can be as low as $1,213 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,919.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Orlando, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $886 to $2,102. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Orlando to Detroit

Moving from Orlando to Detroit means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Orlando than in Detroit, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Orlando compares to Detroit so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Orlando Detroit
Average rent cost $1,943 $1,250
Average home value $377,005 $73,156
Average income (per capita) $58,968 $37,761
Cost of living (single person) $2,877 $2,500
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,012 $6,687
Unemployment rate 5.8% 9.06%
Sales tax 6.5% 6.0%
State income tax 0.0% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Detroit are 36% lower than in Orlando, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
    Home prices in Detroit are 80.6% lower than in Orlando.
  • Income in Detroit is 36.0% lower than in Orlando, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Detroit include General Motors, Henry Ford Health System, and American Axle & Manufacturing.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 13.1% lower than in Orlando. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 4.6% lower than in Orlando.
  • The unemployment rate in Detroit is 56.21% higher than in Orlando.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Detroit, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Detroit are 7.69% lower than in Orlando.
  • State income taxes in Detroit are 4.25% higher than in Orlando.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,606.88 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Orlando.

How life is different in Orlando vs. Detroit

Detroit Orlando
Population 639,111 307,573
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 6
Walkability score 51 41
Bike friendliness score 52 57
Crime Index 72.92 49.57
Safety Index 27.08 50.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Detroit's population is about 108% greater than Orlando.
  • Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Orlando's lower score of 6.
  • Detroit is more walkable than Orlando with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Orlando's 41 out of 100.
  • Detroit has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Orlando, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
  • Detroit's crime rate is higher than Orlando with a score of 72.92 compared to Orlando's 49.57. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Orlando neighborhoods are safer than 49.57%.
  • Detroit is considered to be less safe than Orlando with a score of 27.08 vs Orlando's 50.43.
  • Air quality in Detroit is good, and in Orlando it's good.

Other things to consider for your Orlando vs. Detroit move

  • Weather: Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Detroit. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Detroit

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Comeback City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Detroit.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Corktown
  • Brush Park
  • Woodbridge
  • Downtown
  • Lafayette Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sherwood Forest
  • Palmer Woods
  • University District
  • Corktown
  • Lafayette Park

Things to do in Detroit

Now that you've made the move to Michigan, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Detroit. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Detroit, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, Detroit Historical Museum, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Lions (NFL), or Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Orlando to Detroit?

The best time to move from Orlando to Detroit is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Orlando.

When is the cheapest time to move from Orlando to Detroit?

Because most people are moving from Orlando to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Orlando to Detroit take?

The 1,159-mile move from Orlando, FL, to Detroit, MI, takes two to eight days. Some Orlando movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.

Helpful moving resources