Factors influencing moving costs from Lansing to Fresnotoggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Lansing to Fresno can be as low as $1,684 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,038.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lansing, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,538 to $4,041. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Fresno

Moving from Lansing to Fresno comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Fresno is generally more expensive than Lansing, 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:

Lansing Fresno
Average rent cost $1,129 $1,650
Average home value $148,542 $381,180
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $63,001
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $2,277
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $5,358
Unemployment rate 7.4% 7.09%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.98%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Fresno are 46% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Fresno are 156.6% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Fresno is 2.7% lower than in Lansing, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fresno include Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno City College, and PrideStaff.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fresno, since the cost of living for a single person in Fresno is 42.8% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Fresno, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Fresno is 27.6% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Fresno is 4.19% lower than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fresno, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fresno are 33.00% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes in Fresno are 212.94% higher than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,282.76 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Fresno

Fresno Lansing
Population 542,107 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 47 46
Bike friendliness score 58 55
Crime Index 56.85 48.66
Safety Index 43.15 51.34
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Fresno's population is about 381% greater than Lansing.
  • Fresno's public transportation has a similar score to Lansing.
  • Fresno and Lansing are similarily walkable.
  • Both Fresno and Lansing have the same bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, meaning Fresno is about as safe for cyclists as Lansing. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Fresno's crime rate is higher than Lansing with a score of 56.85 compared to Lansing's 48.66. This means that Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
  • Fresno is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 43.15 vs Lansing's 51.34.
  • Air quality in Fresno is moderate, and in Lansing it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lansing vs. Fresno move

  • Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
  • 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 Fresno. 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 Fresno

Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fresno.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Tower District
  • Mural District
  • Mclane
  • Central Fresno

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Woodrow Park
  • Fig Garden
  • Mclane
  • Sunnyside

Things to do in Fresno

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Fresno has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Fresno features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lansing to Fresno?

The best time to move from Lansing to Fresno is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lansing.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Fresno?

Because most people are moving from Lansing to Fresno 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 Lansing to Fresno take?

The 2,341-mile move from Lansing, MI, to Fresno, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Lansing movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fresno.

Helpful moving resources