Best Michigan to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Michigan to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,408 mile MI to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 357 Michigan to California moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pro-Low Moving), 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 Michigan compared to California. 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 Michigan to California Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pro-Low Moving | 9.68 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Handle With Care Moving & Delivery | 9.05 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | MASS Movers | 9.02 | 9.15 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Kingsley Moving Systems | 8.97 | 9.19 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Michigan to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,408 miles from Michigan to California will cost on average $3,829 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MI to CA move is roughly $9,250. 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 in Michigan and dropoff in California 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 Michigan to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,568 | 300 ft³ | 8.56 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,829 | 450 ft³ | 8.51 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,344 | 750 ft³ | 8.46 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,250 | 1100 ft³ | 8.41 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $13,374 | 1600 ft³ | 8.36 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,956 | 1800 ft³ | 8.31 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Michigan guide.
Popular Michigan to California Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Michigan to California
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Michigan to California Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best MI to CA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Pro-Low Moving
665 136th Ave
Holland, MI, 49424
About Pro-Low Moving
Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3508434 / 1160481 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 105,000 (2023) |
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) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery
4260 Varsity Dr
Ann Arbor, MI, 48108
About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery
Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 808976 / 359936 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 10 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2023) |
MASS Movers
Lansing, MI, 48910
About MASS Movers
MASS Movers is a leading moving company in Lansing, MI. Established in 2016, this family-owned and operated business specializes in creating...
Services
- Packing Service
- Large Item Moving
- Small to Medium Business Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3333210 / 1062576 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 32,500 (2024) |
Kingsley Moving Systems
610 Detroit St
Lansing, MI, 48912
About Kingsley Moving Systems
Kingsley Moving Systems is an experienced moving company located in Lansing, Michigan with over 20 years in the moving industry. Its...
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Interstate Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1890987 / 682343 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 140,000 (2023) |
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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to California
Moving across the country is a major decision, filled with new opportunities as well as challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on transitioning from Michigan to California , highlighting the positive changes and potential drawbacks. The purpose of these charts is to bring clarity to your decision, ensuring you're aware of what awaits in both states.
Michigan- Cold winters
- Less diversity
- Lower job prospects in tech
- Smaller cultural scene
California- Milder winters
- Greater diversity
- High tech industry growth
- Rich cultural experiences
California- Higher cost of living
- Water scarcity
- Heavy traffic
- More transient populations
Michigan- Affordable housing
- Abundant freshwater
- Less traffic congestion
- Close-knit communities
Moving from Michigan to California introduces you to new horizons like experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, home to renowned spots like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The tech boom in Silicon Valley offers unprecedented career opportunities compared to Michigan's more industrial-focused job market. While you might miss the affordability and serene freshwater beaches of Michigan's Great Lakes, California's diverse climate and famous landmarks like Yosemite National Park offer endless outdoor activities and sightseeing options, albeit with the challenge of navigating higher living expenses and water conservation efforts.
Michigan vs. California Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. To help you understand and appreciate the culinary landscape of your new home, we've prepared a comparison. Let’s dive into the comparison of the local cuisine between Michigan & California to ensure you’re well-informed about the food scene where you are moving to.
| Michigan | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Coney Dog | California Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Detroit-style Pizza | Tri-tip Barbecue |
| Most popular street food item | Paczki | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Lentil Burger | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Michigan to California, you'll notice a shift towards more health-conscious and vegan options in your daily cuisine. For instance, California's love for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is evident in popular vegan dishes like Avocado Toast. Additionally, the abundance of food trucks in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco allows you to enjoy a wide variety of foods, including the iconic Fish Tacos, in a casual, street-side setting. Iconic restaurants such as Chez Panisse in the Bay Area, founded by Alice Waters, are instrumental in the farm-to-table movement, further showcasing the state's commitment to fresh, flavorful dining experiences. Whether you're exploring the dynamic food scene of LA or enjoying the natural beauty and vineyards of Napa Valley, your palate is in for a delightful adventure in California.
Ready to start your move?
Michigan vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when planning a move, especially between two distinct locations such as Michigan and California. This comparison aims to highlight key differences in housing aspects, providing a clear snapshot that encapsulates the variances between Michigan and California in terms of cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle considerations.
| Comparison | Michigan | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakefront Access, Large Yards | Pools, Sustainability Features |
When moving from Michigan to California, several aspects of housing stand out significantly. For starters, the median home price and rent in California are considerably higher, reflecting the state's more expensive cost of living. Moreover, California's emphasis on modern and Spanish architecture echoes its diverse cultural heritage and climate, offering unique aesthetics compared to Michigan's traditional Colonial and Ranch styles. The higher urban lifestyle score in California hints at a vibrant city life, enriched with amenities that foster a more walkable and bike-friendly environment. Features like pools and sustainability in California listings contrast with Michigan's preference for lakefront access and large yards, illustrating differing priorities and lifestyles.
Michigan vs. California Weather Considerations
Moving from one place to another involves many adjustments, and understanding how the weather differs is crucial. This guide aims to explain the comparison between Michigan and California's weather , helping you prepare for the changes you'll experience in terms of climate and environmental conditions.
Michigan
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Michigan
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Michigan
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Michigan
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Michigan | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Varies Significantly |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When comparing the climates of Michigan and California, several key differences stand out. The milder winters and greater number of sunny days in California offer a stark contrast to Michigan's cold, snowy winters. The significant difference in annual sunshine - with California enjoying over 100 more days of sun - can dramatically affect your daily life and leisure activities. Adjusting to California's drier climate might also require a shift in your approach to hydration and skincare. Furthermore, being prepared for the different natural disasters common in California, such as earthquakes and wildfires, as opposed to Michigan's snowstorms, is crucial for new residents.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Michigan to California
Moving from one location to another requires a detailed understanding of how your finances will adapt. Here, we compare the cost of living and economic factors between Michigan and California, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.
| Comparison | Michigan | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,986 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25 | 1 - 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.58 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 8.56 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Services, Retail Trade | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Significant |
When moving from Michigan to California, it's important to prepare for a substantial change in your cost of living. The average household income in California is higher, but so is the cost of living, with California having a cost of living index well above the national average. This is crucial when budgeting for housing, as property taxes are lower in California, yet the overall housing costs are significantly higher. The state income tax in California varies greatly depending on income, possibly impacting your take-home pay more than Michigan's flat rate. Additionally, with California's top industries being Technology, Agriculture, and Entertainment, job opportunities may differ significantly compared to Michigan's Manufacturing and Health Services-focused economy.
Michigan vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Michigan to California, understanding the local landscape is crucial. This comparison provides a quick glimpse into the political and religious makeup of each state, offering insights into the politics between Michigan & California and the prevalent religious beliefs. This snapshot can help you navigate your new environment more effectively.
| Michigan | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mixed; swings between Democratic and Republican | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Varies by region; urban areas lean Democratic | Diverse but predominantly Democratic, especially in urban areas |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, followed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism | Christianity predominant, higher diversity of religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam |
While both Michigan and California have diverse populations, the political landscape in California is considerably more skewed towards the Democratic Party, especially in urban regions such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Local politics can significantly influence daily life, city policies, and community initiatives, so it's essential to understand the general leanings of your new home. Religiously, both states showcase a predominance of Christianity, but California offers a wider diversity of religious communities, including larger Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim populations. This diversity is reflected in the plethora of religious and cultural institutions available, from the Islamic Center of Southern California to the Hsi Lai Temple, enriching the cultural landscape and offering a broad spectrum of communities to engage with upon your move.
Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to California
Moving from Michigan to California means adapting to new surroundings, and if you're a parent or a student, understanding the educational landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in school options between Michigan and California, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of education.
| Michigan | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State UniversityUniversity of California (Berkeley) University of California (Los Angeles) Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Nova Classical Academy Bloomfield Hills; Winans Academy of Performing Arts Detroit; Okemos Public Schools OkemosPoint Vicente Elementary School Rancho Palos Verdes; Mill Valley School District Mill Valley; Regnart Elementary School Cupertino | |
Top 3 Middle Schools East Middle School Grand Blanc; Boulan Park Middle School Troy; Meads Mill Middle School NorthvilleHenry M. Gunn High School Palo Alto; Whitney High School Cerritos; Canyon Crest Academy San Diego | |
Top 3 High Schools International Academy Bloomfield Hills; Troy High School Troy; Novi High School NoviCalifornia Academy of Mathematics and Science Carson; Oxford Academy Cypress; Monta Vista High School Cupertino | |
Top 3 private high schools Detroit Country Day School Beverly Hills; Roeper School Birmingham; Cranbrook Schools Bloomfield HillsHarvard-Westlake School Los Angeles; The Harker School San Jose; Polytechnic School Pasadena | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Greenhills School Ann Arbor; Detroit Country Day School Beverly Hills; Roeper School BirminghamThe Harker School San Jose; Harvard-Westlake School Los Angeles; Crossroads School Santa Monica | |
Top 3 School Districts Okemos Public Schools Okemos; East Grand Rapids Public Schools East Grand Rapids; Birmingham Public Schools BirminghamPalo Alto Unified School District Palo Alto; San Marino Unified School District San Marino; La Cañada Unified School District La Cañada Flintridge | |
When comparing educational opportunities between Michigan and California, notable distinctions arise. In both states, prestigious universities attract high school seniors, but in California, the allure of top-tier institutions like University of California Berkeley and Stanford University is prominent. On the K-12 front, California's elementary, middle, and high schools, such as Mill Valley School District and Henry M. Gunn High School, often showcase a strong emphasis on STEM and innovative learning approaches. Private schools in both states offer elite educational experiences, with institutions like Detroit Country Day School in Michigan and Harvard-Westlake School in California standing out for their rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular programs. The highlighted schools and districts underscore the rich educational landscapes available, offering diverse pathways for student success.
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