($1,552) Moving From Michigan to California
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to California ranges from $1,685 to $9,267 and takes seven-eighteen 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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Hiring a full-service Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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.
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 movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from Michigan to California 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 Michigan to California:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
Looking for local Michigan movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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1200 E Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI, 48906 (336) 810-1801 |
| Two Men and a Truck | Get A Quote |
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1115 Taylor Avenue North, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 (616) 371-4019 |
| Corrigan Moving Systems | Get A Quote |
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7409 Expressway Court Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548 (616) 455-4500 |
Visit our Best Movers in Michigan page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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 | $1,552 - $6,677 | $1,569 - $3,751 | $1,619 - $3,042 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,351 - $9,267 | $2,603 - $5,567 | $1,685 - $3,658 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,011 - $14,052 | $3,689 - $7,108 | $2,194 - $4,396 |
*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.
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.
How much does it 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 $1,552 and $6,677. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to CA will range from $4,351 to $9,267, and a large move from Michigan to California will cost from $8,011 to $14,052.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Michigan to California?
Moving containers from Michigan to California will cost you $1,569 to $3,751 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,603 to $5,567. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,689 to $7,108. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
How much is a moving truck 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
$1,619 to $3,042.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$1,685 to $3,658,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to California costs from
$2,194 to $4,396.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Is moving from Michigan to California a good idea?
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 | $892 | $1,586 |
| Average home cost | $232,380 | $746,055 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 78% more expensive in California than in Michigan.
- Home prices are about 221% higher in California than in Michigan.
- The average income is about 34% higher in California than in Michigan.
- Cost of living is 9% lower in California than in Michigan.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan by about 17%.
- Sales taxes are 45% higher in California than in Michigan.
- Income taxes are 213% higher in California than in Michigan.
How does life in California differ from Michigan?
| California | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 10,034,113 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Democratic 59-48 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 64" |
| Crime index | 27.88 | 18.76 |
- The population of California is approximately 289% greater than the population of Michigan.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Michigan voted Democratic.
- 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 twenty-two inches of annual rainfall in California versus thirty-four inches of rainfall in Michigan.
- In California, it snows about seven inches annually versus sixty-four inches of snow in Michigan.
- California has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 27.88 vs 18.76.
Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. California
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Michigan versus California side by side.
| 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
Not everything is 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 |
What to know before your move to California
- 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?
The cheapest way to move from Michigan to California is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
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 69% 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 $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 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 Adelanto and Agoura Hills will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
