$1,476 Movers From Detroit to San Jose

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to San Jose, CA averages from $1,787 to $9,379 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 Jose, CA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Detroit guide.

Moving from Detroit to San Jose resources

Moving 2,427 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Detroit to San Jose?

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 $1,476 - $6,699 $1,534 - $3,813 $1,650 - $3,009
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,328 - $9,379 $2,726 - $5,272 $1,787 - $3,728
4+ bedrooms $8,717 - $14,511 $3,640 - $7,686 $2,257 - $4,527
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,427 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 Jose 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 Jose?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to San Jose will cost between $1,476 to $6,699. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,328 to $9,379, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to San Jose will cost from $8,717 to $14,511.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to San Jose?

Moving containers from Detroit to San Jose will cost you $1,534 to $3,813 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,726 to $5,272. A larger home will cost $3,640 to $7,686.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to San Jose?

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 $1,650 to $3,009. A larger move will cost $1,787 to $3,728, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to San Jose costs from $2,257 to $4,527. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Detroit to San Jose moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to San Jose 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 Jose.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

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 Jose

Cost of living: Detroit vs San Jose

Detroit San Jose
Average rent cost $1,200 $2,900
Average home value $65,800 $1,316,960
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $80,833
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $3,650
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $8,139
Unemployment rate 10.0% 6.6%
Sales Tax 6.0% 9.38%
State Income Tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 142% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in San Jose are 1,901.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in San Jose is 132.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 276.7% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 143.8% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 34.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in San Jose are 56.33% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $11,300.31 in San Jose 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 Jose?

San Jose Detroit
Population 1,013,240 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 7
Walkability score 51 51
Bike friendliness score 62 52
Crime Index 30.44 55.84
Safety Index 49.73 25.97
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • San Jose's population is about 59% greater than Detroit.
  • San Jose's public transportation has a similar score to Detroit.
  • San Jose and Detroit are similarily walkable.
  • San Jose is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • San Jose's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 30.44 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 30.44% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • San Jose is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 49.73 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in San Jose is good, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to San Jose

  • Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel .
  • 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 Jose. 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
Palmer Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.28 overall rating
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 Jose

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Man Jose", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Jose.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Burbank
  • Downtown
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Berryessa
  • Cambrian Park
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

What to do in San Jose

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Municipal Rose Garden
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Tech Museum of Innovation
  • Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
  • Los Gatos Creek Trail
  • San Jose Museum of Art
  • San Pedro Square Market
  • Willow Glen
  • San Jose Flea Market

Get your sports on!

San Jose is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
  • San Jose Giants (California League)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)

FAQs about moving from Detroit to San Jose

When is the best time to move from Detroit to San Jose?

The best time to move from Detroit to San Jose is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 42ºF in San Jose.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to San Jose?

Because most people are moving from Detroit to San Jose 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.

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