($1,426) Movers From Austin, TX to Detroit, MI

What to know before moving from Austin to Detroit

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

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

• Rent prices in Detroit are 29% lower than in Austin, 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 85.6% lower than in Austin.
• Income in Detroit is 44.7% lower than in Austin, 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.
• The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 25.3% lower than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 14.4% lower than in Austin.
• The unemployment rate in Detroit is 158.86% higher than in Austin.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Detroit, since the city’s sales taxes in Detroit are 27.27% lower than in Austin.
• State income taxes in Detroit are 4.25% higher than in Austin.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,242.15 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.

How life is different in Austin vs. Detroit

• Detroit's population is about 34% less than Austin.
• Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Austin's lower score of 5.
• Detroit is more walkable than Austin with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 out of 100.
• Both Detroit and Austin have the same bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, meaning Detroit is about as safe for cyclists as Austin. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Detroit's crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 72.92 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
• Detroit is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 27.08 vs Austin's 59.87.
• Air quality in Detroit is good, and in Austin it's good.

Other things to consider for your Austin 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Michigan doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Detroit without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Detroit

With your sights set on "America's Comeback City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Detroit.

Helpful moving resources