($1,296) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Detroit, MI

1. 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Detroit

When planning a move to Detroit from Oakland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,296 and $4,937. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,655 and $7,805 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,003 to $12,188.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Detroit

When you’re heading from Oakland to Detroit, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,202 and $3,269. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,181 and $4,477. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,215 to $6,519. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Detroit

A moving rental truck from Oakland to Detroit is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,380 to $2,490. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,409 to $2,964, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Oakland to Detroit costs around $1,815 to $3,822.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 43% less expensive in Detroit than in Oakland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 90% cheaper in Detroit than in Oakland.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 60% less in Detroit than in Oakland.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Detroit. The cost of living for a single person there is 21% below that of Oakland.
• A move to Detroit can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 22% lower compared to Oakland.
• Detroit has a higher unemployment rate than Oakland by about 101%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 41% cheaper in Detroit compared to Oakland. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 68% less in Michigan compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Detroit’s population is about 45% greater than Oakland.
• Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Oakland’s score of 8.
• Detroit is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 out of 100.
• Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Oakland, which has a score of 65.
• Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Oakland with a score of 72.92 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Detroit is considered to be less safe than Oakland with a score of 27.08 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Oakland and Detroit are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Detroit. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Detroit. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• 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, and Detroit Historical Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.