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Cost to move from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL
About 284 road miles. A typical 2-bedroom move costs $1,820–$2,980 with full-service movers in October.
Sources: BLS wages, EIA fuel prices, U.S. CensusData updated 2026-11-04How we calculate →
Estimates by home size
| Home size | Typical weight | Full service | With packing | DIY truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $730–$1,190 | $980–$1,640 | $790–$1,220 |
| 1-bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,040–$1,700 | $1,540–$2,600 | $800–$1,250 |
| 2-bedroom | 5,000 lb | $1,820–$2,980 | $2,570–$4,330 | $810–$1,280 |
| 3-bedroom | 8,000 lb | $3,110–$5,120 | $4,360–$7,370 | $830–$1,340 |
| 4+ bedroom | 11,000 lb | $4,150–$6,820 | $5,900–$9,970 | $850–$1,400 |
2-bedroom breakdown
| Item | Low | High | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linehaul transport (5,000 lb, 284 mi) | $1,000 | $1,580 | |
| Fuel share (EIA diesel $6.40/gal) | $70 | $90 | weight share of a shared truck |
| Loading crew at origin | $420 | $710 | |
| Unloading crew at destination | $330 | $600 |
Route data
- Mover wages: $19.39/h in Detroit vs. $19.50/h in Chicago (BLS OEWS 2025). Loading is priced at origin rates, unloading at destination rates.
- Diesel at origin: $6.40/gal (Midwest, EIA week of 2026-11-02).
- Census ACS 2023: about 10,345 people moved from Michigan to Illinois in one year, and 11,766 the other way.
Seasonality
| Month | 2-bedroom, full service |
|---|---|
| January | $1,690–$2,770 |
| April | $1,820–$2,980 |
| July | $2,090–$3,430 |
| October | $1,820–$2,980 |
Going the other way? See Chicago to Detroit.
More: moving costs in Detroit · moving costs in Chicago
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Chicago?
A 2-bedroom move of about 284 road miles costs roughly $1,820–$2,980 with full-service movers in October, or $810–$1,280 with a one-way rental truck (estimates, not quotes).
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Chicago?
Winter months (November–February) run about 5–7% below October in our model; June–August peaks at 12–15% above it.