($1,220) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI

1. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Detroit

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Detroit, you can expect to spend between $1,220 and $5,456. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,440 to $7,505 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Francisco to Detroit typically runs between $6,465 and $11,840.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Detroit

When moving from San Francisco to Detroit, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,228 and $3,269. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,204 to $4,757. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,154 up to $6,202. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Detroit

Renting a moving truck in San Francisco is usually your cheapest option to get to Detroit. 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 $1,314 and $2,439. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,366 and $3,025. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,888 and $3,559.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 62% lower in Detroit than in San Francisco, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 94% lower in Detroit than in San Francisco.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 72% less in Detroit than in San Francisco.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Detroit, where the cost of living for a single person is 34% less than in San Francisco.
• Moving to Detroit could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 23% less than in San Francisco.
• The unemployment rate in Detroit is 68% higher compared to San Francisco, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 30% lower in Detroit than in San Francisco. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Detroit can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 68% lower in Michigan compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Detroit’s population is about 21% less than San Francisco.
• Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Detroit is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 51 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Detroit’s crime rate is higher than San Francisco with a score of 72.92 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Detroit is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 27.08 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
• Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Detroit smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new Michigan home, it’s time to see what Detroit is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Detroit offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.