($1,437) Movers From Kansas City, MO to Detroit, MI

What to know before moving from Kansas City to Detroit

Moving from Kansas City to Detroit comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Detroit is generally more expensive than Kansas City, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Detroit are 4% lower than in Kansas City, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
  Home prices in Detroit are 68.7% lower than in Kansas City.
• Income in Detroit is 41.5% lower than in Kansas City, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Detroit, since the cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 1.1% higher than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Detroit, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 5.1% higher than in Kansas City.
• The unemployment rate in Detroit is 70.94% higher than in Kansas City.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Detroit, since the city’s sales taxes in Detroit are 28.57% lower than in Kansas City.
• One perk of moving to Detroit is paying less in state income taxes, which are 11.46% lower than in Kansas City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,032.75 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.

How life is different in Kansas City vs. Detroit

• Detroit's population is about 26% greater than Kansas City.
• Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Kansas City's lower score of 4.
• Detroit is more walkable than Kansas City with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Kansas City's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 52 out of 100, Detroit is more bike-friendly than Kansas City, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Detroit's crime rate is higher than Kansas City with a score of 72.92 compared to Kansas City's 58.4. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4%.
• Detroit is considered to be less safe than Kansas City with a score of 27.08 vs Kansas City's 42.6.
• Air quality in Detroit is good, and in Kansas City it's good.

Other things to consider for your Kansas City 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: 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: 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Michigan doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Detroit. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Detroit

Ready to relocate to "America's Comeback City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Detroit.

Helpful moving resources