($1,195) Moving from Columbus to Detroit

Quick answer: A move from Columbus to Detroit costs $669 to $6,111 and takes two-seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 826-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Columbus will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Detroit to Columbus guide.

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The best Columbus to Detroit moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbus to Detroit is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Columbus to Detroit.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Detroit?

Columbus movers charge $140 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,195 - $4,227 $838 - $1,996 $591 - $1,124
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,538 - $6,111 $1,406 - $2,887 $669 - $1,269
4+ bedrooms $4,131 - $8,610 $1,946 - $3,698 $774 - $1,621
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 826 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Detroit

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Detroit can be as low as $1,195 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,687.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $591 to $1,514. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbus to Detroit?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Detroit will cost between $1,195 to $4,227. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,538 to $6,111, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbus to Detroit will cost from $4,131 to $8,610.

How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Detroit?

Moving containers from Columbus to Detroit will cost you $838 to $1,996 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,406 to $2,887. A larger home will cost $1,946 to $3,698.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Detroit?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $591 to $1,124. A larger move will cost $669 to $1,269, and a four-bedroom move from Columbus to Detroit costs from $774 to $1,621. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbus to Detroit

Cost of living: Columbus vs Detroit

Columbus Detroit
Average rent cost $1,095 $1,200
Average home value $153,667 $65,800
Average income (per capita) $50,542 $34,762
Cost of Living (single person) $1,286 $969
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,228 $3,338
Unemployment rate 5.0% 10.0%
Sales Tax 9.0% 6.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Detroit are 10% higher than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Detroit are 57.2% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Detroit is 31.2% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 24.7% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 3.4% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Detroit is 100.00% higher than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Detroit are 33.33% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Detroit are 26.09% lower than in Columbus.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,260.50 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus compared to Detroit?

Detroit Columbus
Population 639,111 206,922
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 2
Walkability score 51 25
Bike friendliness score 52 31
Crime Index 55.84 39.07
Safety Index 25.97 25.48
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Detroit's population is about 209% greater than Columbus.
  • Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Columbus's higher score of 2.
  • Detroit is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
  • Detroit is more bike-friendly than Columbus with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Columbus's 31.
  • Detroit's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 55.84 compared to Columbus's 39.07. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 39.07%.
  • Detroit is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 25.97 vs Columbus's 25.48.
  • Air quality in Detroit is moderate, and in Columbus it's good.

Considerations for moving to Detroit

  • 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.

Local Columbus movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1421 Belfast Ave, Columbus, GA, 31904
(706) 352-9518
Apple Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
4949 Schatulga Road, Columbus, GA, 31907
(706) 561-1981

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbus page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Detroit

These are some of the best things to do in your new Michigan home.

  • Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Detroit Riverwalk
  • Motown Museum
  • Belle Isle Park
  • Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
  • Campus Martius Park
  • Detroit Zoo
  • Historic Fort Wayne
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Michigan Science Center
  • Comerica Park
  • Fox Theatre
  • Heidelberg Project
  • The Spirit of Detroit
  • GM Renaissance Center
  • The BELT
  • Detroit Princess Riverboat
  • People Mover
  • Fisher Building
  • Greenfild Village
  • Z Park Garage
  • Detroit Historical Museum
  • Hart Plaza
  • Third Man Records
  • Detroit Masonic Temple
  • John K. King Used & Rare Books
  • “Reflector” Art Installation
  • Eastern Market
  • Dequindre Cut Greenway
  • Milliken State Park and Harbor

Get your sports on!

Detroit is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Detriot Tigers (MLB)
  • Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
  • Detroit Lions (NFL)
  • Detroit Pistons (NBA)

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Columbus 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 Columbus to Detroit take?

The 826-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Detroit, MI, takes two-seven days. Some Columbus 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