($1,308) Moving from Detroit to Boston

Quick answer: A move from Detroit to Boston costs $556 to $6,258 and takes one-six 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 706-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Detroit 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 Boston to Detroit guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Detroit to Boston moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to Boston 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 Detroit to Boston.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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 Detroit to Boston?

Detroit movers charge $100 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 $1,308 - $3,963 $749 - $1,758 $527 - $1,027
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,313 - $6,258 $1,403 - $2,614 $556 - $1,150
4+ bedrooms $3,937 - $8,424 $1,842 - $3,604 $725 - $1,407
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 706 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 Detroit to Boston

The cost of Detroit 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 Detroit to Boston can be as low as $1,308 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,363.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $527 to $1,277. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Boston will cost between $1,308 to $3,963. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,313 to $6,258, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Boston will cost from $3,937 to $8,424.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Boston?

Moving containers from Detroit to Boston will cost you $749 to $1,758 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,403 to $2,614. A larger home will cost $1,842 to $3,604.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Boston?

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 $527 to $1,027. A larger move will cost $556 to $1,150, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to Boston costs from $725 to $1,407. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to Boston

Cost of living: Detroit vs Boston

Detroit Boston
Average rent cost $1,200 $3,474
Average home value $65,800 $715,851
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $81,744
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $1,159
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $4,173
Unemployment rate 10.0% 6.0%
Sales Tax 6.0% 6.25%
State Income Tax 4.25% 9.0%
  • Rent prices in Boston are 190% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Boston are 987.9% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Boston is 135.2% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Boston is 19.6% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Boston is 25.0% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 40.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Boston are 4.17% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 111.76% higher than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,588.24 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit compared to Boston?

Boston Detroit
Population 675,647 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 98 51
Bike friendliness score 86 52
Crime Index 26.45 55.84
Safety Index 62.78 25.97
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Boston's population is about 6% greater than Detroit.
  • Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Boston is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • Boston is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 86 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 26.45 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 26.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 62.78 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Boston

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts 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 Boston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options 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 Detroit movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.24 overall rating
11850 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI, 48214
(313) 822-4400
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.2 overall rating
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207
(313) 649-4917

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

Where to live in Boston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

What to do in Boston

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

  • South End
  • Freedom Trail
  • North End
  • Fenway Park
  • Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
  • Boston Public Library
  • Back Bay
  • Harvard Yard
  • Boston Public Garden
  • The ICA

Get your sports on!

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

  • Boston Red Sox (MLB)
  • Boston Bruins (NHL)
  • Boston Celtics (NBA)
  • New England Patriots (NFL)
  • New England Revolution (MLS)

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 706-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Boston, MA, takes one-six days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.

Helpful moving resources