Michigan to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to California

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Sparse entertainment
• Poor public transport

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Thriving economy
• Abundant nightlife
• Comprehensive transit

---

California

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Expensive real estate
• Hustle and bustle

Michigan

• Lush scenery
• Strong community
• Affordable housing
• Quiet lifestyle

Pros of moving from Michigan to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job market and moving to California with thriving economy
• Swap the sparse entertainment of Michigan for abundant nightlife in California
• Get ready for comprehensive transit in California

Cons of moving from Michigan to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush scenery in Michigan to live with high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of strong community and have to settle with the con of traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to affordable housing and get used to expensive real estate in California
• Swap quiet lifestyle for hustle and bustle

Michigan vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to California, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Paczki, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Barbecue and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slater’s 50/50, Zingerman’s Deli, and Buddy’s Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and n/naka.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and California

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakefront access and large yards, California real estate listings often highlight features like pools and sustainability features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Michigan.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
• California has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
• California housing costs are 227% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42%, compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in California is 87.96% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to California. California gets 67% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 4 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 31 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 10.6 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 37% more than in Michigan
• The COLI in California will be 50% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
• The poverty level is concerning in California compared to manageable poverty in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Michigan and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. California

• Michigan tends to lean mixed and swings between Democratic and Republican in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a higher diversity of religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, followed by Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to California

How Much Do Michigan to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,408 miles from Michigan to California 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.