Best San Francisco to Detroit Movers

How Much Do San Francisco to Detroit Movers Cost?

Moving 2,395 miles from San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Detroit that already have a booked job heading from Detroit to San Francisco. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Detroit from San Francisco entirely empty. If you can find a Detroit moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper San Francisco to Detroit moving option

Hire local San Francisco movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Detroit movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this San Francisco to Detroit move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top San Francisco to Detroit movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best San Francisco, CA to Detroit, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the San Francisco to Detroit moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 20 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the San Francisco and Detroit areas.

From these 20 companies, we analyzed a total of 5,104 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 5 state and federal moving licenses from these 20 companies and 98 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~5,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 1,626 San Francisco to Detroit moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like OCD Moving Services LLC) vs older more established companies (like Careful Movers).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every San Francisco to Detroit moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.52/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 3,379 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.27/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 1,360 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.73/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 755 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.56/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 1,381 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.21/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 586 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.75/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 1,470 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.04/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 1,971 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.26/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 3,407 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.47/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 2,039 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.67/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 408 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.19/10 avg (San Francisco & Detroit combined) from 1,784 reviews

From San Francisco to Detroit: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Pacific Heights in San Francisco & Indian Village in Detroit are both known for their historic mansions & tree-lined streets
• San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood & Detroit's Brush Park both share upscale historic district redevelopment
• If you're moving from Mission District, check out Eastern Market in the Detroit area for the vibrant street art & food scene
• Do you enjoy Castro's lgbtq+ friendly & nightlife hubs? You're sure to love Midtown
• Move from Haight-Ashbury to Eastern Market and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: bohemian culture & independent shops
• Dogpatch & Corktown are both known for their industrial-turned-trendy loft conversions
• San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood & Detroit's Corktown neighborhood both have an up-and-coming arts district vibe
• If you're moving from Inner Sunset, look into Rosedale Park for the quiet residential streets & family feel
• Do you cherish living in SoMa's tech startups & creative offices? Move into Midtown for something similar
• The similar vibes of Financial District & Downtown Detroit are both known for their central business hub & high-rise offices

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Detroit

ConsSan Francisco, CA

• High cost of living
• Crowded spaces
• Chilly summers
• Steep hills
• Limited parking

ProsDetroit, MI

• More affordable
• Spacious living
• Warm summers
• Flat terrain
• Ample parking

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Detroit, MI

• Smaller tech scene
• Rebuilding culture
• Lacks ocean
• Colder winters
• Less diverse cuisine

San Francisco, CA

• Tech hub
• Cultured city
• Ocean access
• Mild climate
• Global cuisine

Pros of moving from San Francisco to Detroit

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable
• Look forward to moving away from crowded spaces and moving to Detroit with spacious living
• Swap the chilly summers of San Francisco for warm summers in Detroit
• Get ready for flat terrain in Detroit

Cons of moving from San Francisco to Detroit

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the tech hub in San Francisco to live with a smaller tech scene in Detroit
• You'll lose out on the pro of a cultured city and have to settle with the con of rebuilding culture
• Time to bid farewell to ocean access and get used to the lack of ocean in Detroit
• Swap mild climate for colder winters

San Francisco vs. Detroit: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from San Francisco to Detroit, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of San Francisco for the equally delicious Coney Island Hot Dog of Detroit. And while the locals in San Francisco rave about their flavorful Clam Chowder and sumptuous Mission Burrito, Detroit residents know they have tasty Detroit-style Pizza and Greek Gyro to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Kebabs of Detroit. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic San Francisco eateries like Tartine Bakery, The Slanted Door, and Zuni Café. After the boxes are unpacked in Detroit, don't wait too long before making your way to Detroit's acclaimed eateries like American Coney Island, Lafayette Coney Island, and Supino Pizzeria.

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

Discover Detroit Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Detroit is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old San Francisco favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Gary Danko, Nopa, and Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, we're sure you'll love Iridescence, Lady of the House, and Avalon International Breads in Detroit. See our Detroit restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished San Francisco hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at La Taqueria, head to Taqueria El Rey on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between San Francisco and Detroit

• The Victorian and Modern architecture that San Francisco is known for will be replaced with the Historic and Colonial architecture typical of Detroit.
• Compared to San Francisco's real estate listings that commonly reference bay views and rooftop decks, Detroit real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and historic details.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Detroit is less walkable than San Francisco.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Detroit is less bike-friendly than San Francisco.
• Detroit has less of an urban feel than San Francisco.
• Detroit housing costs are 94% less expensive than they are in San Francisco, with a median home price of $71,547 compared to San Francisco’s $1,290,678.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Detroit have increased by 60% compared to a 4% decrease in San Francisco.
• Rent in Detroit is 61.28% more affordable than in San Francisco.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

1. Corktown : You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly spaces and businesses, making it easy to enjoy outings with your furry friend.
2. Midtown : You and your pet can take advantage of numerous parks and walkable streets, enhancing your daily adventures together.
3. West Village : This neighborhood offers a welcoming community atmosphere with pet-friendly patios and local green spaces for you to explore with your pet.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between San Francisco and Detroit

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from San Francisco to Detroit. Detroit gets 29% fewer sunshine days than San Francisco.
• Detroit has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to San Francisco.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in San Francisco, but be on the lookout for potential winter storms and tornadoes in Detroit.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Detroit is 16 degrees warmer than in San Francisco.
• The average winter lows in Detroit are 22 degrees colder than they are in San Francisco.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Detroit. Detroit receives 9.8 more inches of rain compared to San Francisco.

Financial & Community Snapshot: San Francisco and Detroit

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Detroit tend to earn about 70% less than in San Francisco
• The COLI in Detroit is 39% lower than what you are used to living in San Francisco
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25% (flat rate) compared to 13.3% (top rate) in CA
• The affluence in Detroit is moderate compared to high in San Francisco
• The poverty level is high in Detroit compared to moderate in San Francisco
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in San Francisco and moderate in Detroit

Political and Religious Climate in San Francisco vs. Detroit

• San Francisco tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Detroit, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• Detroit's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a mix of other faiths
• San Francisco's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a notable number of non-religious residents

San Francisco vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 26% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Detroit compared to your daily drive in San Francisco. That's an annual savings of 4,680 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Detroit to be better than it is in San Francisco.
• Public transit is less readily available in Detroit.