($1,250) Cost to Move From Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA

1. Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Handy Relocations: 4.28 out of 5 stars
5. Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Detroit to San Francisco

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,250 and $5,534. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,780 to $7,992 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Detroit to San Francisco typically runs between $6,488 and $11,655.

Cost of moving containers from Detroit to San Francisco

When moving from Detroit to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,173 and $3,159. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,107 to $4,460. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,108 up to $6,053. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Michigan.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to San Francisco

Renting a moving truck in Detroit is usually your cheapest option to get to San Francisco. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,230 and $2,480. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,361 and $3,042. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,754 and $3,547.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 160% more expensive than it is in Detroit; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 1596% higher in San Francisco than in Detroit.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 262% higher in San Francisco compared to Detroit, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person is 51% more than in Detroit. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to San Francisco, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 30% more than it is in Detroit.
• San Francisco experiences an unemployment rate that is about 40% lower than that of Detroit. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 44% higher in San Francisco than in Detroit. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 213% higher in California compared to Michigan. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• San Francisco’s population is about 27% greater than Detroit.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Detroit’s score of 7.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco 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.
• San Francisco’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 61.41 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
• San Francisco is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 38.59 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Detroit it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Francisco smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Marina District
• Mission Bay
• Mission District
• Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bernal Heights
• Inner Sunset
• Noe Valley
• North Beach
• Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Francisco

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Francisco is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Francisco offers cultural landmarks like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.