Best Detroit to Alexandria Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Detroit to Alexandria and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 536 mile move from Michigan to Virginia go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 56 Detroit to Alexandria moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is ARS Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Detroit compared to Alexandria. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Detroit to Alexandria Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ARS Movers | 9.62 | 9.76 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.46 | 8.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Balance Detroit | 8.43 | 7.79 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | High Quality Moving Company | 8.23 | 8.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Detroit to Alexandria
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 536 miles from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA will cost on average $2,237 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Detroit to Alexandria move is roughly $5,358. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,506 | 300 ft³ | 5.02 |
1 Bedroom | $2,237 | 450 ft³ | 4.97 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,691 | 750 ft³ | 4.92 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,358 | 1100 ft³ | 4.87 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,714 | 1600 ft³ | 4.82 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,588 | 1800 ft³ | 4.77 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alexandria to Detroit guide.
Compare the 5 Best Detroit to Alexandria Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

ARS Movers
Herndon, VA, 20170
About ARS Movers
ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...
Services
- Local Moving (Residential Moving)
- Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
- Office Moving (Commercial Moving)
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3260258 / 1027666 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 3 (2022) |

Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
Registered Drivers | 21 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
11850 E Jefferson
Detroit, MI, 48214
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 279708 / 629575 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 28,000 (2023) |
Balance Detroit
Livonia, MI, 48150
About Balance Detroit
Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distance and...
Services
- White Glove Service
- Long Distance Moves
- Small Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4059339 / 1539936 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,000 (2024) |

High Quality Moving Company
32401 W 8 Mile Rd
Livonia, MI, 48152
About High Quality Moving Company
High Quality Moving Company, based in Livonia, Michigan, has been serving the Detroit Metro Area since 2010. They offer a wide...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3435629 / 1178011 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2024) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Detroit vs. Alexandria Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To ease your transition, this guide embarks on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Detroit, MI & Alexandria, VA , offering insights into similar vibes, cultures, and atmospheres. By matching top neighborhoods from Detroit with their Alexandria counterparts, we aim to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.
Detroit | Alexandria | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Midtown | Old Town | Historic charm, vibrant arts scene |
Corktown | Del Ray | Quaint, artsy feel with eclectic dining |
Downtown | North Ridge | Bustling urban center with luxury apartments |
Woodbridge | Rosemont | Family-friendly, leafy and historic |
Eastern Market | Parker-Gray | Cultural hotspot with market vibes |
Indian Village | Beverley Estates | Stately homes, lush gardens |
West Village | Arlandria | Diverse community, local boutiques and cafes |
Riverfront | Old Town Waterfront | Scenic views, plentiful dining options |
Boston-Edison | Mount Vernon | Historic estates, community atmosphere |
Palmer Woods | Fairlington | Serene, green spaces and modern homes |
In comparing Detroit's Midtown with Alexandria's Old Town, you'll discover both neighborhoods boast a rich history blended with a vibrant arts scene. Old Town is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, much like Midtown, and offers a plethora of dining options, from waterfront eateries to cozy coffee shops. Likewise, if you're drawn to Corktown's unique, artsy vibe and eclectic dining scene, Del Ray in Alexandria will feel just as welcoming with its quaint streets lined with indie shops and local restaurants. For those who enjoyed the bustling urban life in Downtown Detroit, North Ridge in Alexandria provides a similar experience with its luxury apartments and upscale living. Finally, nature lovers who appreciated the serene beauty of Palmer Woods will find a haven in Fairlington, where modern homes are nestled among lush green spaces, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Alexandria
Moving is a significant life event, full of both excitement and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA . Understanding both sides of the coin can help you make a more informed decision about your move.
- Higher crime rate
- Colder winters
- Economic instability
- Lower walkability
- Lower crime rate
- Milder winters
- Strong job market
- High walkability
- Higher cost of living
- Lesser music scene
- Different cultural focus
- Smaller green spaces
- Affordable housing
- Vibrant music scene
- Rich automotive culture
- Spacious parks
Moving from Detroit to Alexandria brings the promise of lower crime rates and milder winters, offering a safer and more comfortable living environment. Alexandria's high walkability means you can enjoy charming neighborhoods like Old Town, where the historic cobblestone streets are lined with boutique shops, such as Shop Made in VA, and inviting eateries like Hank’s Oyster Bar. In contrast, Detroit's affordable housing and its vibrant music scene, with iconic venues like the Majestic Theatre, reflect a city rich in cultural heritage. Alexandria, while offering a robust job market, unfortunately, comes with a higher cost of living. However, its proximity to Washington D.C. allows for a blend of urban accessibility and small-town charm.
Detroit vs. Alexandria Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of local culture and what it's like to live in a particular area. In this guide, we're offering a broad overview so you can be more informed about the food scene where you're moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit & Alexandria, giving you a taste of what culinary delights await.
Detroit | Alexandria | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Coney Dog | Pork BBQ Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Lamb & Beef Gyro |
Most popular street food item | Greek Gyro | Falafel |
Most popular vegan food | Imam Bayildi | Quinoa Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Alexandria, the food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a notable lean towards health-conscious options. Neighborhoods like Old Town Alexandria boast an impressive range of eateries, from the famed Hank's Seafood Restaurant known for its local seafood to Vola's Dockside Grill, a go-to for casual waterside dining. Alexandria's commitment to food diversity is apparent in its embrace of vegan and vegetarian dining options, making it easy for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the local cuisine. Furthermore, the city's food truck scene provides an eclectic mix of flavors, perfectly capturing the spirit of Alexandria's foodie culture.
Detroit vs. Alexandria Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite dining spot is key to making a new city feel like home. This comparison of top Detroit restaurants to their Alexandria counterparts aims to ease your transition from Detroit to Alexandria by guiding you to similar eating experiences. Let this be your culinary map as you navigate your new surroundings.
Detroit | Alexandria | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Selden Standard | Vermilion | Contemporary American dining, farm-to-table approach. |
Slows Bar BQ | Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbeque | Authentic smokehouse flavors. |
Iridescence | Chart House | Stunning views with an upscale dining experience. |
Supino Pizzeria | Pizzeria Paradiso | Handcrafted pizzas with high-quality ingredients. |
Rose's Fine Food | Virtue Feed & Grain | Cozy ambiance with a farm-to-table ethos. |
Avalon International Breads | Bread & Water Company | Artisanal breads and pastries, locally sourced. |
Detroit Vegan Soul | Elizabeth's Counter | Vegan options and sustainability-focused. |
Corktown Tavern | Murphy's Grand Irish Pub | Friendly, vibrant pub atmosphere. |
Lafayette Coney Island | Haute Dogs & Fries | A creative spin on classic American hot dogs. |
Roma Café | Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap | Authentic Italian dining experience. |
Each restaurant listed brings a piece of Detroit's vibrant culinary scene to your new life in Alexandria. For instance, Selden Standard's approach to contemporary American dining is mirrored by Vermilion's dedication to farm-to-table cuisine, both prioritizing local, seasonal ingredients. While you may miss Slows Bar BQ's legendary smokehouse flavors, Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbeque promises an authentic barbecue experience that makes you feel right at home. And for pizza enthusiasts, Supino Pizzeria's Detroit-style pies find a worthy counterpart in Pizzeria Paradiso's handcrafted pizzas in Alexandria. These carefully selected establishments reflect not just similar menus, but a shared commitment to quality, ambiance, and a memorable dining experience. Whether you're craving artisanal breads, vegan delicacies, or just a cozy pub atmosphere, this guide has you covered.

Ready to start your move?
Detroit vs. Alexandria Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, delving into the real estate differences between Detroit, MI and Alexandria, VA is crucial. This comparison focuses on key aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle to aid in your decision-making process.
Comparison | Detroit | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Historic Bungalows | Colonial Revival |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large Lots, Historic Details | Waterfront Views, Accessibility |
The stark contrast in median home prices highlights the significant cost of living difference between Detroit and Alexandria, with Alexandria presenting a much higher threshold for both purchasing and renting properties. Detroit's historic bungalows offer a unique architectural charm compared to Alexandria's prevalent Colonial Revival style, indicative of the city's rich history. Life in Alexandria boasts higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting its dense, conveniently structured urban layout, which enhances the appeal for those valuing accessibility and an urban lifestyle. Notably, real estate listings in Alexandria frequently highlight waterfront views and accessibility, catering to those who cherish scenic beauty alongside urban conveniences.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA
1. Del Ray: Known for its welcoming community and variety of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, Del Ray lets you enjoy outdoor dining experiences with your furry friend by your side.
2. Old Town: With its waterfront parks, such as Founders Park, and abundance of pet-friendly shops, Old Town is perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping with your pet.
3. Potomac Yard: This neighborhood features spacious pet-friendly apartments and easy access to the Potomac Yard Park, which includes a dedicated dog park for your pet to play and meet other dogs.
Detroit vs. Alexandria Weather Considerations
When preparing to move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares between your current home and your new one is crucial. This comparison between Detroit, MI, and Alexandria, VA, highlights the key differences in climate, helping you adjust to your new environment more easily.
Detroit, MI
Alexandria, VA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Detroit, MI
Alexandria, VA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Detroit, MI
Alexandria, VA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Detroit, MI
Alexandria, VA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Detroit | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Rare Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Flooding |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Detroit to Alexandria introduces significant changes in weather patterns, most notably in winter temperatures and snowfall. Alexandria experiences milder winters and less snowfall, which might require adjustments in your winter clothing and driving habits. Additionally, with more sunny days per year and slightly lower average humidity, Alexandria offers a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. However, be prepared for Alexandria's potential for hurricanes and flooding, a shift from Detroit's snowy but more stable winter conditions.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Alexandria
When planning your move from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison sheds light on how your expenses, taxes, and the overall economic environment will change, focusing on specific aspects of finance and economy between Detroit and Alexandria . It's important to get a clear picture of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and the local job market to make an informed decision about your relocation.
Comparison | Detroit | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $36,140 | $101,162 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 140.1 |
State Income Tax | 4.25 | 5.75 |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.4 | 0.8 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 6 |
Top 3 Industries | Automotive, Technology, Healthcare | Government, Defense, Technology |
Affluence | Lower | Higher |
Poverty | Higher | Lower |
Homelessness | More common | Less common |
Moving from Detroit to Alexandria, you'll notice drastic changes in household income, cost of living, and property taxes. Alexandria presents an attractive financial picture with a significantly higher average household income and a lower property tax rate, despite its much higher cost of living. This discrepancy highlights Alexandria's affluence and the concentrated wealth in areas surrounding the nation's capital. It's also worth noting the diverse job market waiting in Alexandria, underpinned by government, defense, and technology sectors, which contrasts with Detroit's historical reliance on the automotive industry. These factors contribute to the lower poverty and homelessness rates in Alexandria, painting a promising yet expensive new chapter for relocators.
Detroit vs. Alexandria Political & Religious Comparison
This is a comparison of the politics between Detroit & Alexandria, offering a quick glance at the political and religious landscape of both cities to help you understand the community you're moving into.
Detroit | Alexandria | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | City of Detroit Government | City of Alexandria Government |
Religion | Diverse with a Christian majority | Multicultural religious landscape |
When you move from Detroit to Alexandria, you'll find both cities share a Democratic inclination, though Alexandria might present a more politically diverse atmosphere. Understanding the local politics will be key in adapting; both cities offer resources through their official government sites to help residents stay informed and engaged. The religious context in both areas is broad and inclusive, inviting people from various backgrounds and beliefs. This diversity enriches the community culture, making your transition an opportunity to explore and integrate into the rich tapestry of local life.
Detroit vs. Alexandria Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Detroit & Alexandria is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving from Detroit, MI to Alexandria, VA.
Comparison | Detroit | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 30 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
In Detroit, the average commute time is relatively short, and while traffic congestion is moderate, the city's public transit system is often seen as less extensive, making it more challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, Alexandria offers a slightly longer average commute time but benefits from its proximity to D.C., featuring higher traffic congestion but significantly better public transit availability. This makes it considerably easier to live in Alexandria without relying on a personal vehicle, thanks to services like the WMATA for buses and the metro, as well as walkable neighborhoods.



Additional Resources
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Popular Detroit to Virginia Routes
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