($1,689) Cost of Moving From Michigan to California
Quick answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to California ranges from $1,762 to $9,891 and takes seven–18 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Michigan guide.
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The best Michigan to California full-service movers
Moving from Michigan to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Michigan for your California relocation:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Michigan
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 14
832 W Eleven Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Madison Heights, MI. Known for their excellent customer service, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.3 on Yelp from 74 reviews and an even higher 4.9 average rating on Google from 866 reviews, making them one of the top-rated moving companies in the area. Unlike some competitors, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, all without requiring a deposit. For those prioritizing convenience and reliability, this company stands out in the local market.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
Alternative Business Names
- JCAL Holdings, LLC
Handle With Care Moving
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 808976
Years in Business: 31
4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USHandle With Care Moving has been a trusted name in Ann Arbor, MI, since 1994, specializing in local residential moving services. With stellar consumer feedback, boasting a 4.8 average rating from 271 Google reviews and a 4.0 average from 26 Yelp reviews, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and even fragile-only packing, ensuring all moving needs are met with utmost care. With the added convenience of accepting credit cards and requiring no upfront deposit, Handle With Care Moving stands out as a dependable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 808976
- State license #: 359936
Kingsley Moving Systems LLC
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 1890987
Years in Business: 15
610 Detroit Street, Lansing, MI 48912 USKingsley Moving Systems LLC stands out among local moving companies in Lansing, MI, offering exceptional service for residential moves. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, customer satisfaction is evidently a top priority. Unlike some competitors, Kingsley Moving Systems also provides packing and unpacking services, making them a convenient one-stop solution for your moving needs. Their flexible payment options, including credit card acceptance and no required deposit, further enhance their appeal.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1890987
- State license #: 34172
Corrigan Moving Systems
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 77949
Years in Business: 97
7409 Expressway Court Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 USCorrigan Moving Systems has been a trusted local moving company in Grand Rapids, MI since 1928, specializing in residential moves within the area. Unlike some nearby competitors, Corrigan Moving Systems stands out for its comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, and they require no deposit. Consumer reviews reflect a strong reputation with an average rating of 4.7 on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though Yelp reviews are slightly lower at an average of 3.5. For those seeking reliable and detailed-oriented moving services, Corrigan Moving Systems has a long-standing legacy of customer satisfaction.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Corrigan Moving Systems - Grand Rapids, Inc.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 16
1115 Taylor Avenue North, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USTwo Men and a Truck offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Grand Rapids, MI, having served the community since 2009. Unlike many competitors, they provide a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, with the expertise to move specialty items like pianos and safes. Consumer reviews highlight their strong reputation, with a 4.7 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company stands out for its no-deposit policy, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- Phase Six Moving, LLC
- Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
The best Michigan to California moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Michigan and drop it off at your new home in California.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best Michigan to California moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Michigan to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Michigan to California labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Michigan to California:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to CA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Michigan movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Michigan to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,689 - $6,787 | $1,611 - $3,924 | $1,762 - $3,377 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,831 - $9,891 | $2,807 - $5,824 | $1,762 - $3,866 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,167 - $14,847 | $4,094 - $7,667 | $2,410 - $4,787 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,404 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to California will cost between $1,689 and $6,787. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to CA will range from $4,831 to $9,891, and a large move from Michigan to California will cost from $9,167 to $14,847.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to California
Moving containers from Michigan to California will cost you $1,611 to $3,924 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,807 to $5,824. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,094 to $7,667. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to California
A moving rental truck is generally 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
$1,762 to $3,377.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$1,762 to $3,866,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to California costs from
$2,410 to $4,787.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to CA
There are many factors that influence Michigan moving costs. The cost to move from Michigan to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MI to CA
If you’re moving to California from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. California
| Michigan | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,037 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 79% more expensive in California than in Michigan.
- Home prices are about 214% higher in California than in Michigan.
- The average income is about 34% higher in California than in Michigan.
- Cost of living is 46% lower in California than in Michigan.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan by about 15%.
- Sales taxes are 45% higher in California than in Michigan.
- Income taxes are 213% higher in California than in Michigan.
How life is different in California vs. Michigan
| California | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 64" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 19.98 |
- The population of California is approximately 289% greater than the population of Michigan.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Michigan voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
- California has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 19.98.
Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Michigan.
| Pros of living in Michigan | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Scenic beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Good higher education | Pleasant weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Abundant recreational options |
| Low cost of living | High quality of life |
| Beautiful lakes | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. California
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for California.
| Cons of living in Michigan | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Cold snowy winters | High cost of living |
| Spotty economic opportunity | Heavy tax burdens |
| Poor transportation infrastructure | Natural disasters |
| Expensive education | Terrible traffic |
| Thick accents | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Michigan to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to California?
Hiring a full-service Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Michigan to California?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Michigan to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or California?
It is generally cheaper to live in Michigan than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Michigan, with average rent about 44% less and home prices 68% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
