Key factors that impact the cost of your Ann Arbor to Stockton movetoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Ann Arbor to Stockton (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,586, while larger moves may reach $12,923 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Ann Arbor.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,523 to $3,843, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Stockton

Moving from Ann Arbor to Stockton comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Stockton is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor Stockton
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,775
Average home value $474,909 $437,561
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $63,915
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $3,767
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $6,810
Unemployment rate 3.5% 10.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Stockton are 22% lower than in Ann Arbor, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Stockton.
    Home prices in Stockton are 7.9% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Stockton is 4.6% lower than in Ann Arbor, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Stockton include University of the Pacific, The Herrick, and San Joaquin County Office of Education.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Stockton, since the cost of living for a single person in Stockton is 73.1% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Stockton, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Stockton is 27.4% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Stockton is 194.29% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Stockton, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Stockton are 50.00% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • State income taxes in Stockton are 212.94% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,193.47 in Stockton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Stockton

Stockton Ann Arbor
Population 320,804 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 7
Walkability score 44 52
Bike friendliness score 52 71
Crime Index 75.2 31.0
Safety Index 24.8 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Stockton is about 159% greater than Ann Arbor, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Stockton without a car might be more difficult than in Ann Arbor. Stockton has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Ann Arbor is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Stockton neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Ann Arbor. Based on its score of 44 out of 100, Stockton isnโ€™t as walkable as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Stockton, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Ann Arbor. While Ann Arbor has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, Stockton earned a 52. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Stockton is higher than in Ann Arbor, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 75.2 in Stockton, it is 31.0 in Ann Arbor. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Stockton. With a crime index of 24.8, Stockton ranks lower in overall safety than Ann Arbor, whose index is Ann Arbor's 79.18. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Stockton has better air quality than in Ann Arbor. Stockton has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Ann Arbor. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor vs. Stockton move

  • Weather: Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Stockton. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Stockton

Ready to relocate to "Asparagus Capital of the World"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Stockton.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Stonewood
  • Spanos Park
  • Weston Ranch
  • Lincoln Village Proper
  • Lakeview

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Brookside
  • Spanos Park
  • Stonewood
  • Lincoln Village West
  • Weston Ranch

Things to do in Stockton

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Stockton has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Stockton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Haggin Museum and Children's Museum of Stockton.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s University Park World Peace Rose Garden โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Stockton Heat (AHL), Stockton Kings (NBA G League), or Stockton Ports (Low-A West) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Stockton?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Ann Arbor to Stockton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Ann Arbor are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Stockton?

With many people choosing to move from Ann Arbor to Stockton in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Stockton take?

Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Stockton, CA covers 2,313 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Ann Arbor movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Stockton.

Helpful moving resources