boston to detroit

---
title: "Moving from Boston to Detroit: Costs, Top Movers & What to Know (2025)"
description: "Real cost estimates and top mover reviews for the 705-mile Boston to Detroit move. Compare full-service, container, and truck options before you book."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Boston to Detroit", "Boston to Detroit movers", "Boston to Detroit moving cost", "long distance movers Boston", "Detroit relocation", "Massachusetts to Michigan movers", "moving companies Boston"]
---

If you're moving from Boston to Detroit, you're trading one of America's priciest cities for one still finding its footing — and saving a lot of money in the process. The route is 705 miles, the cost difference is significant, and the right mover makes a bigger difference on a trip this long than most people expect. Here's what I found when I dug into the numbers and the companies.

## The Best Local Movers for Boston to Detroit Moves

Not every Boston mover that handles local jobs is set up well for [long-distance moves](/best/long-distance-movers). I looked at movers in the [Massachusetts](/movers/massachusetts) area that offer interstate service and evaluated them on cost, reliability, and real customer feedback — not just marketing copy. These five rose to the top for this specific route.

1. Poseidon Moving — 4.72 / 5
2. Michael's Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
3. Boston Best Rate Movers — 4.72 / 5
4. Flash Moving — 4.64 / 5
5. Olympia Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5

---

### Poseidon Moving

**45 Longwood Ave, Brookline, MA** | (617) 470-9950

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/poseidon-moving-brookline-8) (182 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=poseidon+moving+45+Longwood+Ave+Brookline+%09MA&ei=Lii4Y9KKJ86hhwOd06LACg) (197 reviews)
- [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/brookline/profile/moving-companies/poseidon-moving-0021-135960) — Grade A

**4.7 / 5 | 55% positive reviews | 43% negative reviews**

Poseidon is worth a closer look before committing. The 55% positive reviews highlight professional crews, efficient service, careful handling, and competitive pricing — customers frequently describe the staff as friendly and capable even on complicated moves. But nearly 43% of feedback raises real concerns: damaged belongings, unresolved claims, and difficulty reaching the company after the job is done. That's a high negative rate relative to the other names on this list.

What I'd tell a friend: Poseidon is a viable option if your main priority is keeping costs down and you're prepared to document everything carefully and follow up assertively if something goes wrong. If reliability and clean post-move communication matter most, look at the next few options first.

**Company Info**
- State license #: 31816
- Rate: $120/hr
- Years in business: 10
- DOT #: 2522855

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts cash and credit card. Deposit required.

---

### Michael's Moving & Storage

**76 Ashford St, Boston, MA 02134** | (617) 782-9811

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/michaels-moving-and-storage-boston-5) (156 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=michael%27s+moving+%26+storage+boston+ma) (565 reviews)
- [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/allston/profile/moving-companies/michaels-moving-storage-0021-76976) — Grade A

**4.7 / 5 | 91% positive reviews | 8% negative reviews**

Michael's is the most consistent performer on this list. A 91% positive rate across nearly 400 reviews tells a clear story: crews that move fast and carefully, pricing that holds, and communication that works. Customers repeatedly mention that Michael's undercuts larger competitors on price while delivering better-than-expected service — and that moves finish on time or early.

The 8% negative reviews flag property damage, late deliveries, and surprise charges. That's a low floor and roughly what you'd expect for any mover taking on interstate jobs. With 30 years in business and this kind of feedback volume, Michael's has earned its spot near the top of this list.

**Company Info**
- State license #: 30293
- Rate: $199/hr
- Years in business: 30
- DOT #: 782104
- Also known as: Michael's Moving & Storage, Inc.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts cash and credit card. Deposit required.

---

### Boston Best Rate Movers

**252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA 02453** | (617) 787-3528

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/boston-best-rate-movers-waltham-5) (30 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en-US&gl=us&q=Boston+Best+Rate+Movers,+252r+Calvary+St,+Waltham,+MA+02453&ludocid=3521141797874091497) (530 reviews)
- [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/waltham/profile/moving-companies/boston-best-rate-movers-0021-112821) — Grade A+

**4.7 / 5 | 96% positive reviews | 3% negative reviews**

A 96% positive rate across nearly 250 reviews is hard to argue with. Boston Best Rate Movers earns it the right way — teams that arrive on time, wrap things carefully, and charge what they quoted. Customers call out the booking process as smooth and the crew as genuinely respectful of property. That second part matters more than people think when you're handing strangers the keys to everything you own.

The 3% who had issues mention unexpected charges and difficult claims resolution. That's a low floor. For [full-service moves](/best/full-service-movers) that combine price discipline with strong execution, this is a hard option to beat on this route.

**Company Info**
- State license #: 31391
- Years in business: 19
- DOT #: 1718049
- Also known as: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Credit card accepted. DOD certified.

---

### Flash Moving

**10 Charlesgate E, Apt 404, Boston, MA 02215** | (857) 241-8778

- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=flash+moving+%26+storage+boston&sxsrf=ALiCzsagKezqgZ1AnmpgSHbfMGPnZgTEKA%3A1672990229035) (397 reviews)
- BBB: Grade A+

**4.6 / 5 | 99% positive reviews | 1% negative reviews**

Flash Moving carries the highest positive percentage on this list. Across 83 reviewed submissions, nearly all of them praise fast, careful crews and transparent pricing — a pairing you'd expect to find more often than you actually do. Reviewers specifically mention team members handling heavy or awkward items without complaint, and the booking process getting described as straightforward.

The one pattern showing up in negative feedback: billing surprises and slow resolution once they arise. It's a single recurring thread in an otherwise strong record. Sort out the pricing details upfront — ask about any potential add-ons before move day — and you're likely fine.

**Company Info**
- Years in business: 6
- DOT #: 3025065

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Credit card accepted. Deposit required.

---

### Olympia Moving & Storage

**17 Bridge St, Watertown, MA 02472** | (617) 344-9145

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/olympia-moving-and-storage-watertown) (144 reviews)
- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Olympia+Moving+%26+Storage+Watertown+MA) (430 reviews)
- [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/watertown/profile/moving-companies/olympia-moving-and-storage-0021-55873) — Grade A+

**4.6 / 5 | 85% positive reviews | 14% negative reviews**

Olympia has been around 31 years and has the track record to show for it. Most customers describe professional, organized crews with good communication and careful handling. At 85% positive across 382 reviews, the reputation is earned.

But 14% of reviews document genuine problems — primarily poor packing that led to damaged items, final bills exceeding estimates, and difficulty resolving disputes after the fact. For a long-distance move with a lot on the line, I'd get every line of the estimate in writing, confirm how claims are handled before signing, and document your belongings before load-up.

**Company Info**
- State license #: 70719
- Years in business: 31
- DOT #: 70719

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Credit card accepted. Deposit required. DOD certified.

---

## How Much Does It Cost to Move from Boston to Detroit?

The average hourly rate for Massachusetts movers sits around $126, but hourly rates don't tell you much for a 705-mile interstate move. Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a baseline by home size, then stack it against real quotes. Here's how the numbers break down across move types:

| Move size | Full-service movers | Moving containers | Rental truck |
|-----------|---------------------|-------------------|--------------|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,037 – $3,578 | $702 – $1,701 | $499 – $899 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,047 – $5,117 | $1,227 – $2,378 | $538 – $1,090 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,594 – $7,379 | $1,677 – $3,186 | $660 – $1,254 |

*Approximate cost ranges for a 705-mile move as of January 2026. Final price will vary based on home size, add-ons, parking access, fuel, and timing. Get quotes from multiple movers before committing.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Boston to Detroit

A studio or one-bedroom move with a full-service company runs $1,037–$3,578. Two to three bedrooms comes in at $2,047–$5,117, and a four-bedroom or larger move runs $3,594–$7,379. The wide ranges reflect real variables: summer pricing, specialty items like pianos, packing services, and fuel surcharges. Get at least three quotes before you book.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Boston to Detroit

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) sit between trucks and full-service movers in both price and effort. You pack on your schedule; the container company handles the 705 miles. For a small load, expect $702–$1,701. Medium homes run $1,227–$2,378. Larger moves land at $1,677–$3,186. Compare a few container companies directly — pricing and availability vary more than the headline rates suggest.

### Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Boston to Detroit

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest option on paper: $499–$899 for small loads, $538–$1,090 for mid-size homes, $660–$1,254 for large ones. Those estimates include fuel. What they don't include is the reality of driving a 26-foot truck from Massachusetts to [Michigan](/movers/michigan) yourself and handling all the loading and unloading at both ends. If the trade-off works, the savings are real. If it doesn't, the upgrade to containers or full-service is worth the math.

### Key Factors That Influence Moving Costs from Boston to Detroit

- **Home size:** A one-bedroom move might cost around $1,712 all in; a four-bedroom can run $6,324 or more. Size drives price harder than almost any other factor.
- **Time of year:** Boston's peak moving season runs May through August. Prices go up, availability goes down. Book early or move off-peak if you can.
- **Move type:** The gap between renting a truck and hiring professionals is the biggest cost lever you can pull. Know which trade-off you're actually making before you decide.

---

## What to Know Before Moving from Boston to Detroit

Detroit runs about 48% cheaper for a single person and 41% cheaper for a family of four compared to Boston. Here's the full picture:

| | Boston | Detroit |
|--|--------|---------|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $73,156 |
| Average per capita income | $89,212 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 4.25% |

*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. BLS, Tax Foundation*

A few things worth dwelling on:

- **Rent** is about 63% cheaper in Detroit. That's the most immediate and tangible savings for most people making this move.
- **Home prices** are roughly 90% lower — Detroit's median home value is a fraction of Boston's. If buying is part of your plan, the calculus changes dramatically.
- **Income** averages about 58% lower in Detroit. The cost savings are real, but so is the earnings gap. Model your actual salary expectations before assuming the savings pencil out.
- **Cost of living** for day-to-day expenses — groceries, gas, utilities — runs 48% lower for a single person and 41% lower for a family of four.
- **Unemployment** is about 46% higher in Detroit. Job market conditions vary significantly by industry, so research your sector specifically rather than relying on general numbers.
- **Sales tax** is roughly comparable — Michigan's 6.0% versus Massachusetts's 6.25%.
- **State income tax** drops significantly: Michigan's 4.25% versus Massachusetts's 9.0%. For most earners, that's a meaningful bump in take-home pay.

Here's how everyday expenses compare:

| Expense | Boston | Detroit |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $2.94 |
| Fast food / casual meal | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Mid-range dinner for two | $135.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $43.00 |

The one counterintuitive line: basic utilities run higher in Detroit ($251 vs. $203 in Boston). Everything else on the list is cheaper — sometimes dramatically. That dinner-for-two comparison alone will pay for a lot of nights out.

### How Life Is Different in Boston vs. Detroit

| | Boston | Detroit |
|--|--------|---------|
| Population | 675,647 | 639,111 |
| Transit score | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Walkability score | 98/100 | 51/100 |
| Bike-friendliness | 86/100 | 52/100 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |

*Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow*

A few things worth understanding before you arrive:

- The two cities are within about 5% of each other in population — closer in scale than most people expect.
- Detroit's transit score of 7/10 is workable, but Boston's 9/10 reflects a genuinely exceptional transit network. If you've lived in Boston without a car, plan on needing one in Detroit.
- Walkability drops sharply: 51 vs. 98. Detroit is, at its core, a car city.
- Crime is worth taking seriously. Detroit's index of 72.92 is substantially higher than Boston's 39.88. The variation within Detroit is significant — specific neighborhood research matters more here than city averages.
- Air quality is Good in both cities.

### Other Things to Consider for Your Boston to Detroit Move

- **HOA rules:** Review any community or HOA guidelines before move day to avoid access problems on arrival.
- **Elevator reservations:** If your Detroit building requires advance booking for the elevator on move-in day, handle that early.
- **Truck parking permits:** Check local ordinances at your destination address before move day. Getting a truck towed is an avoidable headache.
- **State licensing in Michigan:** The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regulates household goods movers in the state. Verify your mover's Michigan license is current before signing anything.
- **Moving permits:** Michigan doesn't require specific moving permits, but local parking rules can still bite you — confirm with the municipality.
- **Change of address:** File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. You don't want mail routing to an empty Boston address while you're settling in Detroit.
- **Moving insurance:** Massachusetts and Michigan both recognize Released Value Protection — the minimum coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. That's essentially nothing for electronics, artwork, or furniture. Ask your mover about full-value protection, or look into a third-party policy before move day.
- **Stay organized:** A solid [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) is worth the five minutes it takes to set up.

---

## Where to Live in Detroit

Detroit has genuinely distinct neighborhoods — the experience of living in Corktown is very different from Palmer Woods or Downtown. Here's a practical starting point.

### Best Neighborhoods for Singles

- **Corktown** — Detroit's oldest neighborhood, now a hub for restaurants, bars, and creative businesses
- **Brush Park** — Close to downtown and mid-renovation; walkable and increasingly lively
- **Woodbridge** — More affordable, community-oriented, with proximity to Wayne State University
- **Downtown** — The most transit-accessible and dense option in the city
- **Lafayette Park** — Modernist architecture, strong sense of community, close to the riverfront

### Best Neighborhoods for Families

- **Sherwood Forest** — Tree-lined streets, strong community feel, good school proximity
- **Palmer Woods** — Historic homes, quiet and well-maintained, long-term residents
- **University District** — Stable neighborhood with a reputation for engaged neighbors and good schools nearby
- **Corktown** — Growing family presence as the neighborhood matures
- **Lafayette Park** — Green spaces and tight-knit community atmosphere

### Things to Do in Detroit

Detroit has more going on than its national reputation suggests. Worth knowing before you write off your social calendar:

- **Arts and culture:** The Detroit Institute of Arts is legitimately world-class. The Motown Museum, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum fill out a strong cultural scene.
- **Outdoor recreation:** Belle Isle Park — an island park in the Detroit River — is unique in any American city. Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park round out solid options for hiking, biking, and getting outside.
- **Sports:** Detroit is a serious sports town with all four major leagues represented: Tigers (MLB), Red Wings (NHL), Lions (NFL), and Pistons (NBA). The fan bases are committed.

*Source: AttractionsofAmerica*

---

## FAQ

### When is the best time to move from Boston to Detroit?

Spring and fall are your best windows. Weather cooperates in both cities, and you sidestep the peak-season pricing that hits Boston movers hard between May and August. September and October are particularly good if you have flexibility.

### When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Detroit?

Winter. Demand drops and pricing follows. If you can handle a winter drive through upstate New York and into Michigan, you'll likely find better rates on both movers and truck rentals. Check the forecast before locking in a date.

### How long does a move from Boston to Detroit take?

At 705 miles, a full-service move typically takes one to six days depending on the mover's schedule, routing, and whether any storage stops are involved. Expedited options exist if your timeline is tight. If you're not ready to receive your items right away, ask about short-term storage in Detroit before you book.

### Which movers in Boston offer price breaks?

Some companies offer discounts for military members and seniors — though not all advertise these proactively. Ask directly when you're gathering quotes, and confirm eligibility requirements before you count on the savings.

### Who can handle pianos or antiques from Boston?

Specialty items need the right equipment and trained crew. Multiple Boston-area movers advertise piano and antique moving expertise. Book these early — specialty services fill up fast during peak season, and you don't want to be scrambling for a piano crew the week of your move.

---

Get a few real quotes before you commit to anything. Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to establish a baseline, then compare that against actual estimates from the companies above. The range between movers on this route is wide enough that shopping around is worth the hour it takes.