$1,714 Movers From Detroit to San Francisco
Fact Checked by: Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA averages from $1,704 to $9,929 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service Detroit moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to San Francisco, CA.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Francisco to Detroit guide.
Moving from Detroit to San Francisco resources
- Best Detroit to San Francisco movers: We've handpicked the best moving companies from Detroit to San Francisco.
- Moving cost: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Detroit to San Francisco car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.
Moving 2,397 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to San Francisco?
Detroit movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,714 - $6,942 | $1,532 - $3,923 | $1,607 - $3,300 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,788 - $9,929 | $2,862 - $6,112 | $1,704 - $3,699 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,647 - $14,755 | $4,014 - $7,820 | $2,220 - $4,676 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,397 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Detroit to San Francisco will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Detroit to San Francisco?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to San Francisco will cost between $1,714 to $6,942. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,788 to $9,929, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to San Francisco will cost from $8,647 to $14,755.
How much are moving container companies from Detroit to San Francisco?
Moving containers from Detroit to San Francisco will cost you $1,532 to $3,923 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,862 to $6,112. A larger home will cost $4,014 to $7,820.
How much is a moving truck from Detroit to San Francisco?
Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,607 to $3,300. A larger move will cost $1,704 to $3,699, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to San Francisco costs from $2,220 to $4,676. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
The best Detroit to San Francisco moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to San Francisco 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 Detroit to San Francisco.
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If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.
Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to San Francisco
Cost of living: Detroit vs San Francisco
| Detroit | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $3,220 |
| Average home value | $65,800 | $1,234,246 |
| Average income (per capita) | $34,762 | $126,187 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $969 | $3,840 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,338 | $8,998 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.63% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 168% higher than in Detroit.
- Home prices in San Francisco are 1,775.8% higher than in Detroit.
- Income in San Francisco is 263.0% higher than in Detroit.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 296.3% higher than in Detroit.
- The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 169.6% higher than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 46.00% lower than in Detroit.
- Sales taxes in San Francisco are 43.83% higher than in Detroit.
- State income taxes in San Francisco are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $11,888.54 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How is life different in Detroit compared to San Francisco?
| San Francisco | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,437 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 10 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 54.33 | 55.84 |
| Safety Index | 37.9 | 25.97 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Francisco's population is about 26% greater than Detroit.
- San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher 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.
- San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
- San Francisco's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 54.33 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 54.33% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
- San Francisco is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 37.9 vs Detroit's 25.97.
- Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Detroit it's moderate.
Considerations for moving to San Francisco
- Weather: San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation..
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Francisco. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Detroit movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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1001 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48226 (313) 466-5681 |
| Palmer Moving Services | Get A Quote |
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24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091 (586) 834-3400 |
| Handy Relocations | Get A Quote |
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2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207 (313) 649-4917 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in San Francisco
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Golden Gate City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Francisco.
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
What to do in San Francisco
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Alcatraz Island
- San Francisco Cable Cars
- Golden Gate Park
- San Francisco's Chinatown
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- The Exploratorium
- California Academy of Science
- Twin Peaks
- Yerba Buena Gardens
- Legion of Honor Museum
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- Mission District
- Union Square
- City Lights Booksellers and Publishers
- Asian Art Museum
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Lands End
Get your sports on!
San Francisco is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
FAQs about moving from Detroit to San Francisco
When is the best time to move from Detroit to San Francisco?
The best time to move from Detroit to San Francisco is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 67ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to San Francisco?
Because most people are moving from Detroit to San Francisco in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
