Factors that influence moving costs from San Diego to Lansingtoggle

The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Diego to Lansing might cost as little as $1,616, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,414.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Diego, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,494 to $4,161. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from San Diego to Lansing

Moving from San Diego to Lansing means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in Lansing, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Diego compares to Lansing so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Diego Lansing
Average rent cost $2,881 $1,129
Average home value $1,003,444 $148,542
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $64,729
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $1,595
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $4,199
Unemployment rate 6.6% 7.4%
Sales tax 7.75% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lansing are 61% lower than in San Diego, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Lansing are 85.2% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in Lansing is 11.3% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lansing include Health Management Associates, Michigan State Police, and Sparrow Health System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lansing is 52.3% lower than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lansing is 45.6% lower than in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in Lansing is 12.12% higher than in San Diego.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Lansing, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lansing are 22.58% lower than in San Diego.
  • One perk of moving to Lansing is paying less in state income taxes, which are 68.05% lower than in San Diego.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,430.07 in Lansing to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Lansing

Lansing San Diego
Population 112,644 1,386,932
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 46 53
Bike friendliness score 55 43
Crime Index 48.66 39.83
Safety Index 51.34 60.17
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Lansing's population is about 92% less than San Diego.
  • Lansing's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
  • Lansing is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 46 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Lansing is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Lansing's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 48.66 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
  • Lansing is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 51.34 vs San Diego's 60.17.
  • Air quality in Lansing is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Lansing move

  • Weather: Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lansing. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Lansing

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Capital City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lansing.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Waverly
  • Edgemont Park
  • DeWitt
  • Mason
  • DeWitt Charter Township

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Okemos
  • Haslett
  • DeWitt
  • DeWitt Charter Township
  • Holt

Things to do in Lansing

Now that you've made the move to Michigan, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Lansing. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lansing, such as the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail โ€” 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 Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Diego to Lansing?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Diego to Lansing. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Lansing?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego to Lansing, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from San Diego to Lansing take?

The 2,278-mile journey from San Diego, CA to Lansing, MI typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in San Diego offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lansing.

Helpful moving resources