Best California to Michigan Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from state to state is an exciting journey, a chance to embrace new adventures and life changes. You’re transitioning from California, the Golden State known for its endless summers, to Michigan, the Great Lakes State, where seasons paint landscapes with a different kind of beauty. It’s vital to ensure that your belongings make the trip safely and efficiently, which is why we emphasize the importance of relying on trusted and reliable professional movers for this long-distance move.
Best California to Michigan Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro-Low Moving | 9.68 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best California Movers | 9.52 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Handle With Care Moving & Delivery | 9.06 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Michigan to California guide.
6 Best CA to MI Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 license...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
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...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
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 r...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
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 California to Michigan
Moving across the states can be both an exciting adventure and a daunting endeavor. This guide aims to offer a balanced view by comparing the pros and cons of relocating from California to Michigan. The goal is to help you make an informed decision that takes into account the benefits and drawbacks of such a move. Let's delve into how certain aspects of life will change as you transition from the Golden State to the Great Lakes State.
California- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Wildfire risks
- Water scarcity
Michigan- More affordable
- Less traffic
- Lower natural disaster risk
- Abundant freshwater
Michigan- Colder winters
- Less diversity
- Fewer tech opportunities
- No ocean access
California- Milder winters
- Diverse population
- Innovative tech scene
- Beaches and oceans
While the prospect of more affordable living in Michigan can be tempting, especially considering the state's lower cost of living and reduced traffic congestion, there are certain amenities and aspects of California you might miss. For instance, the vibrant and diverse culture of cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco is unmatched, boasting an array of globally recognized restaurants like Gjelina in Venice Beach, and iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge. However, Michigan has its own charm with cities like Ann Arbor, known for its thriving culinary scene, and Detroit, which is undergoing a major revitalization. The transition might mean trading California’s beaches for Michigan’s Great Lakes like Lake Michigan, which offers its own beautiful shorelines and waterfront activities in places like Traverse City. Despite colder winters, Michigan’s seasons bring a beauty and variety that’s truly special, from fall foliage to spring blooms in neighborhood parks such as Detroit's Belle Isle Park.
California vs. Michigan Food Guide
When relocating, diving into the local food scene is crucial, as food is a significant aspect of a region's culture and everyday life. This guide offers a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between California & Michigan, helping you get a taste of what life will be like in your new home.
| California | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sushi | Cherry Pie |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip steak | Coney Island Hot Dog |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Pasty |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Coney Dogs |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the food scene is vibrant, with a particular emphasis on freshness, innovation, and international influences, reflecting the state's diverse population. The sushi and taco scenes, found in neighborhoods like Los Angeles's Little Tokyo and the Mission District in San Francisco, offer some of the most authentic tastes outside of their respective origin countries. In contrast, Michigan's culinary scene is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, with cherry pies and pasties (a nod to the state's Cornish miners) taking center stage. Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor offer an eclectic mix of dining experiences, from the traditional Coney Island hot dogs at American and Lafayette Coney Islands to modern vegan twists on classic dishes at eateries in the trendy Midtown area.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Michigan Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect of any move, particularly when comparing California and Michigan. Understanding how the housing market, architectural styles, and community features differ will help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | California | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish | Colonial, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to the beach, Solar panels | Lakeside views, Large yards |
When moving from California to Michigan, you'll notice a significant difference in housing costs. For example, the median home price in California is nearly four times higher than in Michigan. This disparity extends to rental prices as well. However, Michigan offers some distinct advantages, such as typical lakeside views and large yards mentioned in real estate listings, reflecting the state's abundance of water and green space. On the other hand, California's listings often highlight proximity to the beach and solar panels, indicative of the state's sunny climate and environmental consciousness. These differences in lifestyle and priorities are crucial to consider when making your move.
California vs. Michigan Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one state to another, comprehending the climatic differences is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide offers a clear comparison between California and Michigan, highlighting how the weather varies between these states. Whether it's the sunny days, the chilly winters, or the seasonal allergies you're used to, understanding these changes is key to preparing for your new home.
California
Michigan
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Michigan
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Michigan
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Michigan
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable; often poor in cities | Generally good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from California to Michigan, you're transitioning from a state known for its year-round sunshine to one that experiences all four seasons distinctly. California's mild winters and dry summers contrast sharply with Michigan's snowy winters and humid summers. The number of sunny days in California far exceeds those in Michigan, potentially affecting your outdoor activities and mood. California faces unique challenges with wildfires and earthquakes, while Michigan's weather risks include snowstorms and tornadoes. Adapting to these changes will require adjustments in everything from your wardrobe to your home's heating and cooling systems.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Michigan
Moving between states can be a big financial change. To better prepare, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and economic environment in California compares to Michigan. This comparison will help you budget effectively and set the right expectations for your new life.
| Comparison | California | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $66,986 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 91.2 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 1.54 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Automotive, Technology, Agriculture |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Lesser |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When moving from California to Michigan, you'll find the average household income is lower, but the cost of living significantly drops, making everyday expenses more manageable. Although Michigan has a higher property tax rate, its overall tax burden is less, as seen with Michigan's flat state income tax rate and a lower average sales tax compared to California's varied income tax rate and higher sales tax. This, combined with a cost of living index vastly lower than California's, may balance out the income differences. Moreover, the industry landscapes share similarities in technology and agriculture, but Michigan's automotive industry offers unique job opportunities not as prevalent in California.
California vs. Michigan Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from California to Michigan, it's beneficial to understand the differences in the political and religious makeup of the residents between California & Michigan. This comparison provides a quick glance at these aspects, helping you anticipate the social and cultural environment of your new home.
| California | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning | Moderate, with a mix of Democratic and Republican support |
| Local Politics | Liberal policies in urban areas; conservative in rural regions | Diverse political views with industrial north leaning liberal and rural areas conservative |
| Religion | Pluralistic, with a significant number of unaffiliated individuals | Diverse religious landscape with a strong Christian majority |
Moving from California to Michigan, you'll notice a shift towards a more politically moderate climate, reflecting the state's mix of urban and rural areas. Michigan's local politics showcase a diverse range of views, from the liberal policies in the automotive-driven Detroit metro area to more conservative views in its rural regions. Religion in Michigan has a strong Christian presence, differing from California's more pluralistic religious makeup. This diversity in both states offers unique cultural and social landscapes, enriching your experience as you transition.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Michigan
Making a move between states can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to educational opportunities for you or your family. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between California and Michigan school options, including everything from elementary schools to colleges.
| California | Michigan |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley Stanford UniversityUniversity of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Alternative (Redwood City) Mill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley) Alderwood Basics Plus (Irvine)Bates Elementary School (Dexter) Forest School (Grand Rapids) Hemmeter Elementary School (Saginaw) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla) William Hopkins Junior High (Fremont) Whitney High (Cerritos)East Middle School (Grand Rapids) Boulan Park Middle School (Troy) Mill Creek Middle School (Dexter) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Whitney High (Cerritos) Oxford Academy (Cypress) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) City Middle/High School (Grand Rapids) Troy High School (Troy) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) The Thacher School (Ojai) Webb Schools (Claremont)Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Harker School (San Jose) Brentwood School (Los Angeles) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)Roeper School (Bloomfield Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) | |
Top 3 School Districts Los Altos School District Palo Alto Unified San Mateo Union HighEast Grand Rapids Public Schools Birmingham Public Schools Bloomfield Hills Schools | |
While California boasts high-ranking universities such as UCLA and Stanford, Michigan is home to the prestigious University of Michigan, which draws students from across the nation. The top schools from each state, such as Whitney High in California and International Academy in Michigan, showcase the strong focus on academic excellence within their respective systems. Additionally, private education options like Harvard-Westlake School in California and Cranbrook Schools in Michigan offer unique opportunities for students, enriching their educational journey with diverse programs and resources.
Popular California to Michigan Moving Routes
- Los Angeles to Detroit
- Los Angeles to Grand Rapids
- San Diego to Detroit
- San Diego to Grand Rapids
- San Jose to Detroit
- San Jose to Grand Rapids
- San Francisco to Detroit
- San Francisco to Grand Rapids
- Fresno to Detroit
- Fresno to Grand Rapids
- Sacramento to Detroit
- Sacramento to Grand Rapids
- Long Beach to Detroit
- Long Beach to Grand Rapids
- Oakland to Detroit
- Oakland to Grand Rapids
- Bakersfield to Detroit
- Bakersfield to Grand Rapids
- Anaheim to Detroit
- Anaheim to Grand Rapids
- Santa Ana to Detroit
- Santa Ana to Grand Rapids
- Riverside to Detroit
- Riverside to Grand Rapids
- Stockton to Detroit
- Stockton to Grand Rapids
- Irvine to Detroit
- Irvine to Grand Rapids
- Chula Vista to Detroit
- Chula Vista to Grand Rapids
- Fremont to Detroit
- San Bernardino to Detroit
- Modesto to Detroit
- Fontana to Detroit
- Moreno Valley to Detroit
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
