Best Detroit to San Francisco Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Detroit to San Francisco and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,498 mile move from Michigan to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 Detroit to San Francisco moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Detroit compared to San Francisco. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Detroit to San Francisco Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Bay - L.A. Express Moving | 9.32 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.46 | 8.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Balance Detroit | 8.43 | 7.79 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | High Quality Moving Company | 8.23 | 8.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Detroit to San Francisco
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,498 miles from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA will cost on average $3,906 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Detroit to San Francisco move is roughly $9,437. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,619 | 300 ft³ | 8.73 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,906 | 450 ft³ | 8.68 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,472 | 750 ft³ | 8.63 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,437 | 1100 ft³ | 8.58 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $13,646 | 1600 ft³ | 8.53 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $15,262 | 1800 ft³ | 8.48 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Detroit guide.
Compare the 5 Best Detroit to San Francisco Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Bay - L.A. Express Moving
8 22nd St
San Francisco, CA, 94107
About Bay - L.A. Express Moving
Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...
Services
- Long-distance moving
- Small relocation
- Full packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1396171 / 530464 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
11850 E Jefferson
Detroit, MI, 48214
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 279708 / 629575 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 28,000 (2023) |
Balance Detroit
Livonia, MI, 48150
About Balance Detroit
Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distance and...
Services
- White Glove Service
- Long Distance Moves
- Small Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4059339 / 1539936 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,000 (2024) |
High Quality Moving Company
32401 W 8 Mile Rd
Livonia, MI, 48152
About High Quality Moving Company
High Quality Moving Company, based in Livonia, Michigan, has been serving the Detroit Metro Area since 2010. They offer a wide...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3435629 / 1178011 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2024) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Detroit vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, particularly when figuring out where to live. To simplify this, we've created a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with comparing the local neighborhoods between Detroit, MI & San Francisco, CA. By using Detroit’s neighborhoods as a baseline, we'll match them with the closest counterparts in San Francisco, giving you a clearer picture of where you might feel most at home.
| Detroit | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Hayes Valley | Lively arts scene, trendy boutiques |
| Corktown | The Mission | Historic, vibrant food scene |
| Downtown | Financial District | Urban core, skyscrapers |
| Eastern Market | Ferry Building/Embarcadero | Bustling market, local eats |
| Brush Park | Pacific Heights | Historic homes, luxury feel |
| Woodbridge | Inner Richmond | Residential, ethnic diversity |
| Indian Village | Presidio Heights | Upscale, historic homes |
| Rosedale Park | West Portal | Family-friendly, quiet streets |
| Greektown | North Beach | Cultural hub, entertainment |
| Palmer Woods | Sea Cliff | Exclusive, stunning views |
Moving from the historical charm of Detroit's Indian Village, with its large, elegant homes and beautifully maintained streets, you’ll find a similar vibe in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights. This area is known for its upscale, historic residences and an atmosphere of quiet luxury. On the livelier side, if you're drawn to the vibrant energy and packed bars and restaurants of Greektown in Detroit, North Beach in San Francisco will enchant you with its own rich cultural heritage, a plethora of dining options like the renowned Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, and bustling nightlife. Alternatively, Detroit's Eastern Market, celebrated for its fresh produce and local food vendors, finds its match in San Francisco at the Ferry Building and Embarcadero, where locals and visitors alike enjoy a diverse offering of artisanal goods and eateries such as Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to San Francisco
Moving from one city to another is always a significant transition, especially when considering a move from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA . This comparison aims to unveil an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh the cons vs the pros and the pros vs the cons to make a more informed decision.
Detroit, MI- Harsh winters
- Lower job market
- Less diverse cuisine
- Smaller cultural scene
- Higher crime rates
San Francisco, CA- Milder climate
- Thriving tech industry
- World-class dining
- Vibrant arts community
- Safer neighborhoods
San Francisco, CA- High cost of living
- Smaller spaces
- Less personal
- Heavy traffic
- Less musical diversity
Detroit, MI- Affordable housing
- Spacious living
- Strong community
- Easy road trips
- Rich musical heritage
Moving to San Francisco offers you the chance to experience a milder climate, which means saying goodbye to the harsh Detroit winters and embracing more outdoor activities year-round. The city is a tech hub, offering abundant opportunities in the thriving tech industry, unlike Detroit's more limited job market. San Francisco's world-class dining scene is a food lover's dream, featuring iconic establishments like Zuni Café and Tartine Bakery. On the flip side, Detroit's affordable housing and spacious living are hard to beat, especially when faced with San Francisco's high cost of living and smaller living spaces. However, neighborhoods like the Mission District and Outer Sunset offer vibrant community vibes, cultural diversity, and easy access to parks, making the transition a bit smoother.
Detroit vs. San Francisco Food Guide
Understanding the local food scene is pivotal when moving to a new city. In this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit & San Francisco, giving you a taste of what culinary experiences to expect in your new home.
| Detroit | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Coney Dog | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Detroit-style Pizza | Mission Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Coney | Vegan Ramen |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Upon moving to San Francisco, you'll quickly notice the city's profound love for sourdough bread, which you can enjoy fresh from the iconic Boudin Bakery. Seafood enthusiasts will relish exploring Fisherman's Wharf, home to the rich, seafood-laden Cioppino. For an unforgettable street food experience, head to the Mission District where the Mission Burrito reigns supreme, a must-try at La Taqueria. San Francisco's food scene truly caters to all, with an impressive array of vegan options and health-conscious eateries throughout the city, highlighting the local emphasis on sustainability and wellness.
Detroit vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in new surroundings often starts with discovering the flavors and dishes that remind you of home. This comparison of top restaurants from Detroit to their San Francisco equivalents aims to help you transition smoothly by identifying new dining locales reminiscent of your old favorites.
| Detroit | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Selden Standard | State Bird Provisions | Both offer an inventive, seasonal menu with a focus on sharing. |
| Lafayette Coney Island | Tony's Pizza Napoletana | Both are iconic in their cities, offering comfort food with a loyal following. |
| Slows Bar BQ | 4505 Burgers & BBQ | Both provide top-notch barbecue in a laid-back atmosphere. |
| Iridescence | Gary Danko | Both are high-end dining experiences offering stunning views and exquisite plates. |
| Rose's Fine Food | Tartine Bakery | Both are cherished for their excellent baked goods and homey breakfast options. |
| Supino Pizzeria | Del Popolo | Neapolitan pizza lovers will find a familiar taste and dedication to quality ingredients. |
| El Barzon | Californios | Offers a high-end twist on traditional dishes, blending innovation with comfort. |
| Rochester Brunch House | Plow | Both provide a fresh, farm-to-table approach to brunch that is consistently satisfying. |
| Antietam | Foreign Cinema | Creatively plated cuisine in an artsy, elegant setting defines both eateries. |
| Dime Store | Zazie | Offers a cozy vibe with hearty, inventive breakfasts and a commitment to local sourcing. |
At State Bird Provisions, similar to Selden Standard, you'll encounter a culinary adventure that insists on communal dining, transforming meals into a shared experience. For those missing the down-home vibes and hearty meals of Slows Bar BQ, 4505 Burgers & BBQ will not disappoint with its dedication to quality meats and robust flavors. And for breakfast enthusiasts who cherished mornings at Rose's Fine Food, Tartine Bakery will rekindle that love with unmatched baked goods and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Each of these San Francisco establishments not only mirrors the quality and spirit of Detroit's dining scene but also introduces you to the diverse culinary landscape of your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Detroit vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning your move, comparing the real estate landscape between Detroit and San Francisco is crucial. This comparison helps you understand the differences in housing cost, architecture, lifestyle, and more to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Detroit | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Historic Homes, Brick Houses | Victorian, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious Yards, Garage Parking | Bay Views, Eco-friendly Features |
Understanding the real estate differences between Detroit and San Francisco is key in your relocation decision. San Francisco offers a highly walkable environment, complemented by its iconic Victorian architecture and modern homes, often featuring eco-friendly designs and bay views praised in many listings. Meanwhile, Detroit presents more affordable housing options, with emphasis on spacious yards and historic homes. Both cities offer unique lifestyles, but San Francisco's urban living scores significantly higher, reflecting its dense, vibrant community and extensive amenities. Whether you're drawn to the bustling city life of San Francisco or the historic, more spread-out neighborhoods of Detroit, knowing these differences can help streamline your move.
Detroit vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another can be a significant change, especially when it comes to the weather. If you're relocating from Detroit, MI to San Francisco, CA, it's crucial to understand how the climate difference will affect your daily life. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather variations you should expect.
Detroit, MI
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Detroit, MI
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Detroit, MI
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Detroit, MI
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Detroit | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When relocating from Detroit to San Francisco, you'll notice a significant change in weather patterns. Detroit experiences all four seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, while San Francisco's climate is more mild and consistent year-round, characterized by cool summers and mild winters. One of the biggest adjustments may be the lack of snow in San Francisco, contrasted with Detroit's annual snowfall. Additionally, San Francisco enjoys more sunny days, but with its coastal location, fog is a common phenomenon, affecting visibility and sometimes leading to cooler temperatures. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for your new life on the West Coast.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to San Francisco
Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your finances. Understanding the differences in cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities between your current city and your new home is crucial. This comparison between Detroit, MI and San Francisco, CA is designed to help you gauge what changes to expect in terms of money and finance.
| Comparison | Detroit | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $36,140 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.3 | 0.6 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Automotive, Technology, Healthcare | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Lower | Higher |
| Poverty | High | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Critical |
The contrast in cost of living and average household income between Detroit and San Francisco is stark, reflecting the broader economic disparities between these two cities. While San Francisco boasts one of the highest average incomes in the United States, it also comes with a cost of living that is nearly four times higher than in Detroit. State and sales taxes are higher in San Francisco, which can further stretch your budget. However, San Francisco's booming technology and finance sectors offer lucrative job opportunities not as prevalent in Detroit's economy, which still leans heavily on the automotive industry despite growing technology and healthcare sectors. Be prepared for higher taxes and a significant increase in costs for housing, goods, and services in San Francisco, but also for potential higher income and access to more affluent communities.
Detroit vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick comparison to help you understand the differences in the political and religious landscapes between your current and future homes. This comparison of the politics between Detroit & San Francisco and religious affiliations provides an at-a-glance snapshot to help you gauge the cultural shifts you might experience.
| Detroit | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Heavily Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focused on economic revitalization and public safety | Emphasizes environmental issues, homelessness, and public transportation improvements |
| Religion | Christianity dominant, with diverse religious communities present | Largely secular, with a strongpresence of Buddhist and other Eastern religious communities |
When moving from Detroit to San Francisco, you'll find distinct differences in the local cultural and political landscapes. Detroit's political scene is grounded in efforts towards economic revitalization and improving public safety, indicative of the city's ongoing recovery from economic downturns. In contrast, San Francisco's politics heavily emphasize environmental conservation, solutions for homelessness, and bolstering an already robust public transportation system. While both cities are Democratic strongholds, the social and political priorities reflect each city's unique challenges and culture. On the religious front, Detroit offers a more traditional American religious landscape dominated by Christianity, but also houses a rich tapestry of diverse religious practices. San Francisco, known for its liberal mindset, hosts a myriad of religious beliefs with noticeable Eastern religious communities, aligning with its diverse and inclusive culture.
Detroit vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Detroit & San Francisco designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like if you're planning to move from Detroit to San Francisco. Knowing these differences will ensure you're prepared for the change in lifestyle, especially regarding commuting and getting around the city efficiently.
| Comparison | Detroit | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Difficult | Yes |
Detroit is known for its reliance on personal vehicles and has a lower availability of public transit options compared to San Francisco. This makes living in Detroit without a car more challenging. In contrast, San Francisco boasts a robust public transportation system, including buses, the iconic cable cars, light rail (MUNI), and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). This network makes it much easier to get by without a car due to the high availability and convenience of public transit. Furthermore, San Francisco's dense layout and active biking communities support a more walkable city lifestyle, significantly reducing the necessity for personal vehicle ownership.
Additional Resources
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