$1,288 Movers From San Jose to Detroit

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Detroit, MI averages from $1,549 to $8,031 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service San Jose moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Detroit, MI.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Detroit to San Jose guide.

Moving from San Jose to Detroit resources

Moving 2,487 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Detroit?

San Jose movers charge $119 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 $1,288 - $5,585 $1,417 - $3,286 $1,517 - $2,769
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,650 - $8,031 $2,372 - $4,879 $1,549 - $3,264
4+ bedrooms $6,860 - $12,921 $3,198 - $7,177 $1,997 - $4,126
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,487 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Jose to Detroit will depend 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: Summer is peak moving season in San Jose, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from San Jose to Detroit?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Detroit will cost between $1,288 to $5,585. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,650 to $8,031, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Jose to Detroit will cost from $6,860 to $12,921.

How much are moving container companies from San Jose to Detroit?

Moving containers from San Jose to Detroit will cost you $1,417 to $3,286 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,372 to $4,879. A larger home will cost $3,198 to $7,177.

How much is a moving truck from San Jose to Detroit?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,517 to $2,769. A larger move will cost $1,549 to $3,264, and a four-bedroom move from San Jose to Detroit costs from $1,997 to $4,126. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best San Jose to Detroit moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from San Jose to Detroit is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving San Jose to Detroit.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from San Jose to Detroit

Cost of living: San Jose vs Detroit

San Jose Detroit
Average rent cost $2,900 $1,200
Average home value $1,316,960 $65,800
Average income (per capita) $80,833 $34,762
Cost of Living (single person) $3,650 $969
Cost of Living (family of 4) $8,139 $3,338
Unemployment rate 6.6% 10.0%
Sales Tax 9.38% 6.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Detroit are 59% lower than in San Jose.
  • Home prices in Detroit are 95.0% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Detroit is 57.0% lower than in San Jose.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 73.5% lower than in San Jose.
  • The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 59.0% lower than in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Detroit is 51.52% higher than in San Jose.
  • Sales taxes in Detroit are 36.03% lower than in San Jose.
  • State income taxes in Detroit are 68.05% lower than in San Jose.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $796.44 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How is life different in San Jose compared to Detroit?

Detroit San Jose
Population 639,111 1,013,240
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 7
Walkability score 51 51
Bike friendliness score 52 62
Crime Index 55.84 30.44
Safety Index 25.97 49.73
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Detroit's population is about 37% less than San Jose.
  • Detroit's public transportation has a similar score to San Jose.
  • Detroit and San Jose are similarily walkable.
  • Detroit is less bike-friendly than San Jose with a score of 52 out of 100 vs San Jose's 62.
  • Detroit's crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 55.84 compared to San Jose's 30.44. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 30.44%.
  • Detroit is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 25.97 vs San Jose's 49.73.
  • Air quality in Detroit is moderate, and in San Jose it's good.

Considerations for moving to Detroit

  • 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: 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 Detroit. 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.

Local San Jose movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Southwest Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
875 S Winchester Blvd Ste 107, San Jose, CA, 95128
(408) 412-3269
Lunardi Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1856 Almaden Road Unit 3, San Jose, CA, 95125
(408) 849-9630

Visit our best long distance movers in San Jose page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Detroit

These are some of the best things to do in your new Michigan home.

  • Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Detroit Riverwalk
  • Motown Museum
  • Belle Isle Park
  • Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
  • Campus Martius Park
  • Detroit Zoo
  • Historic Fort Wayne
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Michigan Science Center
  • Comerica Park
  • Fox Theatre
  • Heidelberg Project
  • The Spirit of Detroit
  • GM Renaissance Center
  • The BELT
  • Detroit Princess Riverboat
  • People Mover
  • Fisher Building
  • Greenfild Village
  • Z Park Garage
  • Detroit Historical Museum
  • Hart Plaza
  • Third Man Records
  • Detroit Masonic Temple
  • John K. King Used & Rare Books
  • “Reflector” Art Installation
  • Eastern Market
  • Dequindre Cut Greenway
  • Milliken State Park and Harbor

Get your sports on!

Detroit is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Detriot Tigers (MLB)
  • Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
  • Detroit Lions (NFL)
  • Detroit Pistons (NBA)

FAQs about moving from San Jose to Detroit

When is the best time to move from San Jose to Detroit?

The best time to move from San Jose to Detroit is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF in Detroit.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Detroit?

Because most people are moving from San Jose to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Detroit