Quick answer: For a 2,281-mile move from Los Angeles to Detroit, expect to spend around $1,715–$9,787 and seven to 18 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Detroit to Los Angeles guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Los Angeles to Detroit
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Los Angeles to Detroit can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to MI move
Find trusted moving companies for your Los Angeles to Detroit journey
Organizing a move from Los Angeles to Detroit can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Los Angeles known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Los Angeles to Detroit.
- Seka Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Prodigy Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191020
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2365576
Alternate Names: Move Central Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191106
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 3983945
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Detroit?
Los Angeles movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,568 - $6,421 | $1,529 - $3,794 | $1,537 - $3,095 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,307 - $9,787 | $2,634 - $5,455 | $1,715 - $3,683 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,757 - $14,550 | $4,001 - $7,937 | $2,254 - $4,698 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Michigan
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Michigan, you can expect to spend between $1,568 and $6,421. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,307 to $9,787 on the same route (CA to MI). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Michigan typically runs between $8,757 and $14,550.
Cost of moving containers from California to Michigan
When you're heading from California to Michigan, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,529 and $3,794. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,634 and $5,455. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,001 to $7,937. 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 California to Michigan
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,537 and $3,095. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,715 and $3,683. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,254 and $4,698.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Detroit
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Detroit
Moving from Los Angeles to Detroit means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Detroit, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Detroit so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Detroit are 58% lower than in Los Angeles, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Detroit are 96.9% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Detroit is 49.6% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Detroit — including General Motors, Henry Ford Health System, and American Axle & Manufacturing — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Detroit. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 36.3% lower than in Los Angeles.
- A move to Detroit can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 27.4% less than what it costs in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit is 14.53% lower than in Los Angeles.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Detroit, since the city's sales taxes in Detroit are 36.84% lower than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Detroit is paying less in state income taxes, which are 68.05% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,912.29 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Detroit
| Detroit | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 3,820,914 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 72.92 | 53.81 |
| Safety Index | 27.08 | 46.19 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Detroit's population is about 83% less than Los Angeles.
- Detroit's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
- Detroit is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
- Detroit's crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 72.92 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 27.08 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Detroit is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Detroit move
- Weather: Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Michigan doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Detroit without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Detroit
Now that you've decided to make the move to America's Comeback City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Detroit.
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
After settling into your new Michigan home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Detroit, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, Detroit Historical Museum, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- 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), or Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Detroit?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Los Angeles to Detroit You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Detroit?
Because spring and fall moves from Los Angeles to Detroit are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Detroit take?
The 2,281-mile journey from Los Angeles, CA to Detroit, MI, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Los Angeles offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Detroit.