Highly rated local moving companies for Detroit to San Jose moves
Organizing a move from Detroit to San Jose can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 36 local movers in Detroit known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Detroit to San Jose.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to San Jose?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,336 – $5,490 | $1,306 – $3,344 | $1,419 – $2,720 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,762 – $8,225 | $2,186 – $4,774 | $1,406 – $3,176 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,143 – $12,725 | $2,975 – $6,676 | $1,811 – $3,933 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to San Jose
When planning a move to San Jose from Detroit, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,336 and $5,490. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,762 and $8,225 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,143 to $12,725.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to San Jose
When you’re heading from Detroit to San Jose, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,306 and $3,344. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,186 and $4,774. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,975 to $6,676. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to San Jose
A moving rental truck from Detroit to San Jose 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 $1,419 to $2,720. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,406 to $3,176, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Detroit to San Jose costs around $1,811 to $3,933.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Detroit to San Jose
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Detroit to San Jose may only cost $2,691, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,506.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Detroit.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,419–$3,552), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Detroit to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 47% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Detroit.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Detroit versus $2,500 in Detroit; families pay $8,354 compared with $6,687.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Detroit | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $3,027 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 148% more expensive in San Jose than in Detroit. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 1887% steeper in San Jose compared to Detroit.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 121% greater in San Jose than in Detroit, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in San Jose, with the cost of living for a single person being 47% more than in Detroit. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to San Jose, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 25% higher than in Detroit.
- San Jose has a lower unemployment rate than Detroit by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in San Jose surpass those in Detroit by 56%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 213% more in California than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Detroit versus San Jose:
| Living Expense | Detroit | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $293.08 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $48.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $4.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Detroit than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in San Jose.
How life is different in Detroit vs. San Jose
| Detroit | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 971,233 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 62 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 47.73 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 52.27 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 52% greater than Detroit.
- San Jose’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Detroit, making them very similar.
- San Jose and Detroit are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 62 out of 100, San Jose is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Jose’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 47.73 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- San Jose is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 52.27 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to San Jose move
- HOA rules: Costs across Detroit and San Jose 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, 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 San Jose. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Jose
With your sights set on Man Jose, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Jose. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: San Jose is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez 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 San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to San Jose?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to San Jose. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to San Jose?
Want to save on your move from Detroit to San Jose? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Detroit to San Jose take?
The 2,427-mile move from Detroit, MI, to San Jose, , takes seven to 18 days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Jose.
What kinds of discounts do Detroit movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Detroit?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Detroit provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
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