Top-rated movers to make your Detroit to Sacramento move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Detroit that offers long-distance services to Sacramento can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 36 top local movers in Detroit who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Detroit to Sacramento.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Sacramento?
In Michigan, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,303 – $5,292 | $1,291 – $3,143 | $1,355 – $2,395 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,667 – $7,748 | $2,097 – $4,617 | $1,468 – $3,029 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,544 – $11,500 | $3,032 – $6,196 | $1,835 – $3,823 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Sacramento
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Sacramento from Detroit, you can expect prices to land between $1,303 and $5,292. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,667 to $7,748 for the trip from Detroit to Sacramento. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,544 and $11,500.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Sacramento
Moving containers from Detroit to Sacramento will cost you $1,291 to $3,143 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,097 to $4,617. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,032 to $6,196. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Sacramento
Renting a moving truck from Detroit to Sacramento typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,355 and $2,395 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,468 to $3,029. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,835 to $3,823.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Sacramento move
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,662 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,955 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Detroit.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,355 to $3,224, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Sacramento
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Sacramento runs about 6% higher for singles and -7% higher for families than Detroit.
Singles spend around $2,656 in Detroit versus $2,500 in Detroit; families pay $6,191 compared with $6,687.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Detroit | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Sacramento? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 52% higher than in Detroit, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Sacramento are about 552% higher than those in Detroit.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 109% higher in Sacramento compared to Detroit, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Sacramento, as living costs for a single person are 6% higher than in Detroit. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- A move to Sacramento can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 7% less than what it costs in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Sacramento is about 15% lower than in Detroit. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Sacramento are 46% more than in Detroit, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 213% above those in Michigan. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Detroit and Sacramento:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Detroit than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Sacramento.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Sacramento.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Sacramento.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Sacramento.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Sacramento
| Detroit | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 67 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Sacramento’s population is about 18% less than Detroit.
- Sacramento’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Sacramento and Detroit are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Sacramento’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 49.21 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Sacramento is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 50.79 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Sacramento 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 to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Sacramento. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Sacramento
Planning your move to Almond Capital of the World? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Sacramento has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Sacramento?
Planning your move from Detroit to Sacramento? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Sacramento?
Because most people are moving from Detroit to Sacramento in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Detroit to Sacramento take?
The 2,306-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Sacramento, , typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Sacramento.
Are there special savings available from movers in Detroit?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Detroit?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Detroit, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
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