Factors influencing moving costs from Burlington to Detroittoggle

The cost of Burlington 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 Burlington to Detroit can be as low as $1,530 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,801.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Burlington, 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 $600 to $1,377. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Burlington to Detroit

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

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

Burlington Detroit
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,250
Average home value $495,758 $73,156
Average income (per capita) $66,546 $37,761
Cost of living (single person) $2,693 $2,500
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,537 $6,687
Unemployment rate 3.2% 9.06%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.0%
State income tax 8.75% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Detroit are 43% lower than in Burlington, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Detroit are 85.2% lower than in Burlington.
  • Income in Detroit is 43.3% lower than in Burlington, 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 7.2% lower than in Burlington. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 20.8% higher than in Burlington.
  • The unemployment rate in Detroit is 183.13% higher than in Burlington.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Detroit, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Detroit are 14.29% lower than in Burlington.
  • One perk of moving to Detroit is paying less in state income taxes, which are 51.43% lower than in Burlington.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,785.00 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Burlington.

How life is different in Burlington vs. Detroit

Detroit Burlington
Population 639,111 44,743
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 5
Walkability score 51 59
Bike friendliness score 52 81
Crime Index 72.92 43.33
Safety Index 27.08 56.67
Air Quality Good Good
  • Detroit's population is about 1,328% greater than Burlington.
  • Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Burlington's lower score of 5.
  • Detroit is less walkable than Burlington with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Burlington's 59 out of 100.
  • Detroit has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Burlington, which has a score of 81 out of 100.
  • Detroit's crime rate is higher than Burlington with a score of 72.92 compared to Burlington's 43.33. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Burlington neighborhoods are safer than 43.33%.
  • Detroit is considered to be less safe than Burlington with a score of 27.08 vs Burlington's 56.67.
  • Air quality in Detroit is good, and in Burlington it's good.

Other things to consider for your Burlington 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 companyโ€™s license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Michigan doesnโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Corktown
  • Brush Park
  • Woodbridge
  • Downtown
  • Lafayette Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sherwood Forest
  • Palmer Woods
  • University District
  • Corktown
  • Lafayette Park

Things to do in Detroit

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

  • Arts and culture: Detroit is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, Detroit Historical Museum, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck 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 Detriot Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Lions (NFL), or Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 656-mile move from Burlington, VT, to Detroit, MI, takes one to six days. Some Burlington movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.

Helpful moving resources