When relocating from California to Michigan, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,375 to
$7,046, roughly
$3,384 for a container move, and close to
$2,192
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,241 – $5,036 | $1,305 – $3,087 | $1,281 – $2,478 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,375 – $7,046 | $2,186 – $4,582 | $1,344 – $3,041 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,937 – $10,900 | $3,067 – $5,971 | $1,823 – $3,728 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,241 – $5,036
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,375 – $7,046
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,937 – $10,900
How much do moving containers cost from California to Michigan?
- Small move: $1,305 – $3,087
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,186 – $4,582
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,067 – $5,971
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,281 – $2,478
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,344 – $3,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,823 – $3,728
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,404-mile move from CA to MI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about 44% lower in Michigan than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 68% lower in Michigan than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 25% lower in Michigan than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is 31% lower in Michigan than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 31% lower in Michigan than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 68% lower in Michigan than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to California?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Michigan | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 28.43 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than California?
Michigan is about 74% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Michigan voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Michigan is cooler on average (81°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Michigan is colder on average (14°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Michigan gets more rain (34″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Michigan safer than California?
Michigan has a lower crime index than California (19.98 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Michigan move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Michigan moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Michigan, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Michigan. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. 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: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Michigan?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Michigan?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
No moving permit is required in Michigan, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
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