Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Richmond movetoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Detroit to Richmond (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,393, while larger moves may reach $8,271 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Detroit.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $563 to $1,357, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Richmond

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

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

Detroit Richmond
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,595
Average home value $73,156 $350,897
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $59,606
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $2,270
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $5,336
Unemployment rate 9.06% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Richmond are 28% higher than in Detroit, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Richmond are 379.7% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Richmond is 57.9% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Richmond include Brink's, CarMax, and MeadWestvaco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Richmond is 9.2% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Richmond is 20.2% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Richmond is 21.63% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Richmond and Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Richmond are 35.29% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,724.00 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Richmond

Richmond Detroit
Population 226,610 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 7
Walkability score 51 51
Bike friendliness score 51 52
Crime Index 48.45 72.92
Safety Index 51.55 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Richmond might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 65% less than Detroit.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Richmond will be about the same as it currently is in Detroit. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Youโ€™ll find Richmond to be about as walkable as Detroit. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • Richmond and Detroit are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 51 and 52 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Richmond has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 48.45 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Richmond than in Detroit, based on Richmondโ€™s safety index of 51.55 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Richmond and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Richmond move

  • Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Virginia doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Richmond. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Richmond

Ready to relocate to "Capital of the South"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Richmond.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Monroe Ward
  • The Fan District
  • The Museum District
  • Woodland Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bellevue
  • Byrd Park
  • Museum District
  • Three Chopt
  • Westover Hills

Things to do in Richmond

After settling into your new Virginia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Richmond has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Richmond is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Richmond Kickers (USL League One) and Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Richmond are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Detroit are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Detroit to Richmond in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Detroit to Richmond take?

Moving from Detroit, MI to Richmond, VA covers 623 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Detroit movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Richmond.

Helpful moving resources