Moving from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI
Straight-line distance: 238 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $672 – $1,037 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $1,923 – $2,939 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,489 – $5,317 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Detroit compares to Chicago
Chicago's median home value is $304,500 — 357% higher than Detroit's $66,700.
Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago versus $37,761 in Detroit.
Typical rent runs $1,314 in Chicago and $989 in Detroit.
On housing costs, Detroit, MI looks more affordable than Chicago, IL — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,721,914 | 636,787 |
| Median home value | $304,500 | $66,700 |
| Median household income | $71,673 | $37,761 |
| Median gross rent | $1,314 | $989 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.