Local moving companies in San Francisco
Out of 91 San Francisco movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Michigan.
- Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Jay’s Small Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
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 #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 190688
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 17
Alternate Names: Jays Small Moves
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in San Francisco, CA
At a glance, the number of San Francisco movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Michigan
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from San Francisco to Michigan with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,325 – $5,049 | $1,307 – $3,277 | $1,303 – $2,520 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,736 – $7,596 | $2,162 – $4,814 | $1,382 – $2,938 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,156 – $12,335 | $3,192 – $6,725 | $1,800 – $3,792 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,395-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Michigan using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Oct 22, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Michigan
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Michigan typically costs between $1,325 and $5,049. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,736 and $7,596. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,156 up to $12,335.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Michigan
If you’re relocating from San Francisco to Michigan, you’ll typically spend between $1,307 and $3,277 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,162 up to $4,814. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,192 and $6,725. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from San Francisco.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Michigan
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from San Francisco to Michigan, expect to pay between $1,303 and $2,520. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,382 to $2,938. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,800 and $3,792.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to MI
The cost of a move in San Francisco can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in San Francisco often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from San Francisco to MI
Relocating from San Francisco to Michigan could mean a change in lifestyle and might also help you save some money. The cost of living in San Francisco is generally higher, so moving could provide a chance for more budget-friendly living.
Explore the detailed cost of living analysis below to see how San Francisco fares against Michigan, so you’re well-prepared for what’s next.
Compare cost of living: San Francisco vs. Michigan
| San Francisco, CA | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,250 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $1,241,003 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 245 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
Michigan sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 68% lower in Michigan than in San Francisco, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- In Michigan, home prices are about 80% lower than in San Francisco, easing your mortgage burden.
- Incomes in Michigan are around 50% below those in San Francisco, which could mean tightening your budget.
- The cost of living is around 62% lower in Michigan than in San Francisco, freeing up money for savings or lifestyle upgrades.
- The unemployment rate in Michigan is around 13% lower than in San Francisco, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Michigan’s income tax rates are about 68% lower than California’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in San Francisco, CA from Michigan
When planning a move from San Francisco to Michigan, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the San Francisco behind for life in Michigan.
| San Francisco, CA | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 25″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 19.98 |
Michigan Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Michigan leaned Republican, while San Francisco supported Democratic.
- Summer temperatures in Michigan can soar to 81ºF, noticeably hotter than San Francisco, where highs typically reach 67ºF. Get ready for more sunshine, outdoor fun, and potentially higher cooling costs as you adjust to the warmer climate.
- Colder winters await in Michigan, where lows average 14ºF, compared to San Francisco at 46ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- Get ready for 34 inches of rain annually in Michigan—a noticeable increase over 25 inches in San Francisco. Expect lusher surroundings and wetter days, so pack your rain gear and adjust routines.
- Michigan gets about 64 inches of snow each year, while San Francisco sees none. Moving to Michigan means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Michigan has a lower crime index of 19.98 versus San Francisco at 61.41, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Michigan
If you’re relocating from San Francisco to Michigan, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- 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, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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 your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Michigan moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Michigan without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. 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: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Michigan
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Michigan has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Michigan
Parks in Michigan
Sports teams in Michigan
Universities in Michigan
FAQ
How long does a move from San Francisco to Michigan take?
The time it takes to move from San Francisco, CA, to Michigan ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take seven to 18 days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in San Francisco offer custom-built crate services?
81 movers in San Francisco list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a San Francisco mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from San Francisco to Michigan?
Need to ship your car from San Francisco to Michigan? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from California to Michigan.
Why are people moving from San Francisco to Michigan?
Many people are moving to Michigan because of its scenic beauty and good higher education.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Michigan.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in San Francisco?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from San Francisco, CA?
THere are currently, 26 movers in San Francisco that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
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