California to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Michigan

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Earthquake risk
• Dry climate
• High taxes

ProsMichigan

• Affordable housing
• Lighter traffic
• Lower natural disaster risk
• Four seasons
• Lower taxes

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Michigan

• No ocean beaches
• Fewer culinary options
• Cold winters
• Fewer tech job opportunities
• Quieter nights

California

• Beach access
• Diverse food scene
• Year-round sunshine
• Major tech hubs
• Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from California to Michigan

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Michigan with lighter traffic
• Swap the earthquake risk of California for a lower natural disaster risk in Michigan
• Get ready for four seasons in Michigan

Cons of moving from California to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beach access in California to live with no ocean beaches in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse food scene and have to settle with the con of fewer culinary options
• Time to bid farewell to year-round sunshine and get used to cold winters in Michigan
• Swap major tech hubs for fewer tech job opportunities

California vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious cherry pie of Michigan. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip steak and sumptuous tacos, Michigan residents know they have tasty Coney Island hot dogs and pasty to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the vegan Coney dogs of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and n/naka. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Buddy's Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Michigan shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Michigan, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Michigan.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Michigan

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference being close to the beach and solar panels, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and large yards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Michigan is less bike-friendly than California.
• Michigan has less of an urban feel than California.
• Michigan housing costs are 69% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Michigan is 46.80% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Michigan

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Michigan. Michigan gets 40% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 5 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 27 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Michigan. Michigan receives 10 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 27% less than those in California
• The COLI in Michigan is 33% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 13.3 in CA
• The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in Michigan compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is prevalent in California and less common in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Michigan

• California tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as moderate with a mix of Democratic and Republican support
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with a strong Christian majority
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as pluralistic with a significant number of unaffiliated individuals

Education Guide When Moving from California to Michigan

How Much Do California to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 2,409 miles from California to Michigan will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.