($816) Moving from Pittsburgh to Detroit

Quick answer: A move from Pittsburgh to Detroit costs $328 to $4,070 and takes one-four 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 285-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh guide.

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The best Pittsburgh to Detroit moving companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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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 Pittsburgh to Detroit?

Pittsburgh movers charge $75 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 $816 - $2,774 $599 - $1,399 $309 - $515
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,501 - $4,070 $1,129 - $2,079 $328 - $648
4+ bedrooms $2,159 - $5,788 $1,461 - $2,554 $382 - $765
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 285 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 Pittsburgh to Detroit

The cost of Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Detroit can be as low as $816 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $4,936.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Pittsburgh , 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 $309 to $685. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Detroit will cost between $816 to $2,774. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,501 to $4,070, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Pittsburgh to Detroit will cost from $2,159 to $5,788.

How much are moving container companies from Pittsburgh to Detroit?

Moving containers from Pittsburgh to Detroit will cost you $599 to $1,399 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,129 to $2,079. A larger home will cost $1,461 to $2,554.

How much is a moving truck from Pittsburgh 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 $309 to $515. A larger move will cost $328 to $648, and a four-bedroom move from Pittsburgh to Detroit costs from $382 to $765. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Pittsburgh to Detroit

Cost of living: Pittsburgh vs Detroit

Pittsburgh Detroit
Average rent cost $1,495 $1,200
Average home value $219,919 $65,800
Average income (per capita) $54,306 $34,762
Cost of Living (single person) $2,137 $969
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,816 $3,338
Unemployment rate 7.1% 10.0%
Sales Tax 7.0% 6.0%
State Income Tax 3.07% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Detroit are 20% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • Home prices in Detroit are 70.1% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • Income in Detroit is 36.0% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 54.7% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 30.7% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • The unemployment rate in Detroit is 40.85% higher than in Pittsburgh .
  • Sales taxes in Detroit are 14.29% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • State income taxes in Detroit are 38.44% higher than in Pittsburgh .

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,360.32 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .

How is life different in Pittsburgh compared to Detroit?

Detroit Pittsburgh
Population 639,111 302,971
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 51 62
Bike friendliness score 52 55
Crime Index 55.84 36.0
Safety Index 25.97 60.44
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Detroit's population is about 111% greater than Pittsburgh .
  • Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Pittsburgh 's lower score of 8.
  • Detroit is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh 's 62 out of 100.
  • Detroit is less bike-friendly than Pittsburgh with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh 's 55.
  • Detroit's crime rate is higher than Pittsburgh with a score of 55.84 compared to Pittsburgh 's 36.0. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 36.0%.
  • Detroit is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 25.97 vs Pittsburgh 's 60.44.
  • Air quality in Detroit is moderate, and in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
3555 Valley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15234
(412) 357-2690
South Hills Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
3132 Industrial Blvd, Bethel Park, PA, 15102
(412) 835-8600

Visit our best long distance movers in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Detroit?

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

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

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

The 285-mile move from Pittsburgh , PA, to Detroit, MI, takes one-four days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.

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