Best San Diego to Detroit Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the sunny shores of San Diego to the vibrant streets of Detroit marks a thrilling chapter in your life. Leaving behind the laid-back vibe of "America's Finest City" for the historic charm and resurgence of "Motor City" promises an adventure of contrasts and new beginnings. For such a significant journey, it’s essential to ensure that your belongings are in trusted hands, which is why we recommend hiring professional movers renowned for their reliability and expertise, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
Best San Diego to Detroit Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Rock Movers | 9.50 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.47 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. | 8.95 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Professional Movers.com | 8.56 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.47 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Detroit to San Diego guide.
5 Best San Diego to Detroit Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About The Rock Movers
The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill, the compan...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance Moving
- International Moving
- Storage Services
About Professional Movers.com
With three locations in Michigan, including one in Detroit, family-owned Professional Movers is an expert moving company specializing in sta...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- International Relocation
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the company...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
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.
San Diego vs. Detroit Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI, it can be helpful to find a neighborhood that reminds you of home. This guide aims to compare local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Detroit, MI, helping you discover your new favorite area with ease.
| San Diego | Detroit | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla | Indian Village | Historic homes, upscale dining |
| North Park | Midtown | Vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops |
| Pacific Beach | Riverfront | Active lifestyle, waterfront views |
| Gaslamp Quarter | Downtown Detroit | Bustling nightlife, historic architecture |
| Hillcrest | Corktown | Diverse community, trendy eateries |
| Del Mar | Palmer Woods | Exclusive, serene neighborhoods |
| Coronado | Grosse Pointe | Waterfront parks, quaint shopping |
| Encinitas | Rosedale Park | Community-focused, green spaces |
| Ocean Beach | Belle Isle | Recreational activities, natural attractions |
| Solana Beach | West Village | Artsy vibe, historic charm |
Moving from the surf and sand of San Diego's Pacific Beach, you'll appreciate Detroit's Riverfront for its focus on an active, waterfront lifestyle, including access to the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle Park. In the heart of Detroit, the Downtown area replicates the Gaslamp Quarter's energy with a mix of historic buildings, modern nightlife, and annual events like the North American International Auto Show. For those who enjoy eclectic, artsy neighborhoods like North Park, Midtown Detroit offers a similar vibe with cultural institutions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and a variety of unique shops and eateries. Transitioning from the inclusive and vibrant spirit of Hillcrest, Corktown welcomes with open arms, boasting a diverse community, historic architecture, and a growing food scene highlighted by places like Slows Bar BQ.
Things to Do in Detroit
Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts- Visit the Belle Isle Park
- Enjoy a game at Comerica Park
- Walk along the Detroit Riverfront
- Discover the Henry Ford Museum
- Experience the Motown Museum
- Try local eats at Eastern Market
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Detroit
Moving from one city to another can be a big decision filled with both excitement and trepidation. This guide aims to honestly reflect the pros and cons of relocating from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI , helping you weigh the good against the bad. By understanding both the benefits and drawbacks, you can make a more informed decision about this significant change.
San Diego, CA- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Limited water resources
Detroit, MI- More affordable housing
- Less congestion
- Greater water access
Detroit, MI- Colder winters
- Smaller nightlife scene
- Lacks natural beaches
San Diego, CA- Year-round sunshine
- Vibrant nightlife
- Beautiful beaches
Moving from the vibrant, sunny coasts of San Diego to the historic, culture-rich streets of Detroit presents a series of trade-offs. San Diego's year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and bustling nightlife, found in popular areas like Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach, might be sorely missed. However, Detroit offers its own set of unique attractions, such as the Detroit Riverwalk and the historic Eastern Market, both offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural fabric. Detroit's more affordable cost of living allows for exploration of quaint neighborhoods, diverse restaurants like the famous Slows Bar BQ, and a growing art scene, making it an enticing place for many. This transition may come with some initial challenges, but it also opens up a world of new opportunities.
San Diego vs. Detroit Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between San Diego & Detroit can be an enlightening aspect of understanding the shift in local culture you might experience. Food plays a significant role in the daily lives of residents and offers a taste of each city's unique character. This comparison aims to equip you with insights into the culinary landscapes of both cities, enhancing your relocation journey.
| San Diego | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Coney Dog |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Detroit-style Pizza |
| Most popular street food item | California Burrito | Gyros |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Coney Dogs |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Diego, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location and Mexican heritage, with fish tacos and carne asada being city staples. You'll find food trucks serving California burritos around Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach, embodying the city's laid-back, health-conscious lifestyle. Detroit offers a stark contrast with its hearty, comfort foods like Coney Dogs and Detroit-style pizza, signature dishes that reflect its working-class roots. The vegan scene is growing in both cities, though San Diego's abundant array of vegan eateries and health-focused dining options slightly outshines Detroit's emerging vegan landscape. For a taste of local flavor, try Hodad's in San Diego for a classic burger experience or Slows Bar BQ in Detroit for some of the city's best barbecue.
San Diego vs. Detroit Restaurant Comparison
Embarking on a new adventure from San Diego to Detroit offers not just a change of scenery but a vibrant culinary journey. Through this comparison of San Diego’s top restaurants to their Detroit equivalents, you'll discover locales to make your transition feel like home. Taste your way into a new city with old favorites guiding the path.
| San Diego | Detroit | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper & Ivy | Selden Standard | Creative, seasonal New American dishes echo Juniper & Ivy's innovative spirit. |
| Phil's BBQ | Slows Bar BQ | Known for its mouth-watering barbecue and comforting atmosphere, reminiscent of Phil's. |
| Hodad's | Mercury Burger & Bar | Iconic burgers with a creative twist that parallel the legendary offerings of Hodad's. |
| Cucina Urbana | Ottava Via | Italian fares with a modern flair offering a similar cozy and chic vibe as Cucina Urbana. |
| George's at the Cove | Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails | Exceptional dining experience with a spectacular view, much like George's. |
| Las Cuatro Milpas | Taqueria El Rey | Authentic, homemade Mexican food that rivals the beloved flavors of Las Cuatro Milpas. |
| Extraordinary Desserts | Astoria Pastry Shop | Offering a vast selection of baked goods and sweets that can satiate any dessert lover's cravings. |
| Mister A's | Iridescence | High-end dining with a stunning city view, matching the elegance of Mister A's. |
| Ironside Fish & Oyster | Voyager | Specializing in seafood with a fresh, innovative menu that reminds one of Ironside’s unique dishes. |
| Craft & Commerce | The Sugar House | Craft cocktails and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere echo the vibe at Craft & Commerce. |
Finding a new favorite eatery is like discovering a hidden gem in your own neighborhood. For instance, if you're missing the creative and seasonal dishes from Juniper & Ivy, Selden Standard in Detroit will not disappoint with its equally innovative takes on New American cuisine. For those who yearned for the iconic burgers of Hodad's, Mercury Burger & Bar offers creations that might just become your new craving. And, when in need of a comforting meal that reminds you of home, Slows Bar BQ offers a barbecue experience that evokes the beloved flavors of Phil's BBQ. Each Detroit counterpart not only offers a taste reminiscent of your San Diego favorites but also introduces you to the unique culinary spirit of your new city.
Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. Detroit Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, grasping real estate dynamics between San Diego, CA and Detroit, MI becomes critical. This comparison highlights key aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle to inform your decision.
| Comparison | San Diego | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Revival | Art Deco |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean Views, Outdoor Living Spaces | Historic Properties, Large Lots |
The stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rents between San Diego and Detroit reflects the significant cost of living adjustment you'll experience moving from the West to the Midwest. San Diego's Spanish Revival architecture and premium outdoor living spaces cater to a lifestyle that appreciates the sunny coastal environment. In contrast, Detroit offers an eclectic mix of Art Deco buildings and historic homes, often with much larger lots, catering to those who value space and history. Detroit's higher bikeability score indicates a growing commitment to sustainable urban transportation, while San Diego's urban lifestyle rating reflects its bustling city environment and abundance of amenities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI
1. Midtown: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Midtown is ideal for you and your pets due to its numerous parks and green spaces, along with pet-friendly cafes and grooming salons.
2. Corktown: This historic neighborhood offers a welcoming community for pet owners, featuring dog-friendly restaurants and the popular Roosevelt Park, perfect for afternoon walks.
3. Woodbridge: With its quiet, tree-lined streets and close-knit community, Woodbridge offers a peaceful environment for pets, including easy access to spacious parks and the Michigan Humane Society for your pet’s needs.
San Diego vs. Detroit Weather Considerations
When relocating, grasping the climate differences between your current and future homes is crucial. This comparison sheds light on what weather changes you can expect when moving from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI, helping you prepare for new seasonal experiences and wardrobe adjustments.
San Diego, CA
Detroit, MI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Detroit, MI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Detroit, MI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
Detroit, MI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Diego | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
The transition from San Diego's mild, arid climate to Detroit's four distinct seasons means packing an array of clothing, from shorts to snow gear. Detroit winters can be particularly challenging, with an average annual snowfall of 42.7 inches, necessitating a reliable snow removal plan. The increase in humidity and distinct seasonal changes also play a role in different allergen exposures, with Detroit presenting challenges for those sensitive to ragweed and grass. Adapting to these differences will be key to making your new environment feel like home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Detroit
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're stepping into. This comparison will elucidate the money and finance-related differences between San Diego and Detroit , providing insights on what to expect in terms of living costs, taxation, and economic environment. Understanding these aspects is vital to ensuring a smooth transition.
| Comparison | San Diego | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $36,140 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 99.4 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.77 | 2.29 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade | Automotive, Technology, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Less affluent |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
When examining the economic landscapes of San Diego and Detroit, it's apparent that the average household income in San Diego is significantly higher than in Detroit. This disparity is crucial to understand, especially when considering the higher cost of living in San Diego, which may not necessarily translate to a higher standard of living. The difference in state income and property taxes can also impact your finances, with Michigan offering a more favorable tax environment in comparison to California. However, it's essential to factor in Detroit's economic challenges, including a higher poverty rate, which may influence social and community services. The shift in primary industries between the two cities reflects diverse job markets and opportunities, indicating a need to adapt your career strategies accordingly.
San Diego vs. Detroit Political & Religious Comparison
Welcome to the quick, at-a-glance snapshot comparing the defining aspects that shape the local communities you're moving from and to. This comparison will provide insights into the political and religious makeup of residents in San Diego & Detroit, helping you understand the cultural landscape of each city.
| San Diego | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive on environmental and social issues | Focus on economic revitalization and social equity |
| Religion | Diverse, with significant Catholic and Protestant communities | Primarily Christian, with a notable Muslim population |
When you delve deeper into the political landscape, you'll find that San Diego's residents generally lean towards progressive ideals, especially concerning environmental and social issues, reflecting the city’s active outdoor lifestyle and diverse population. Conversely, Detroit’s political culture is deeply rooted in its history of economic challenges and is characterized by a robust commitment to economic revitalization and social equity. The religious landscape also mirrors this diversity, with San Diego hosting a variety of faiths and Detroit having a significant Christian majority but also a noteworthy Muslim community, reflecting its unique demographic makeup. Understanding these dynamics can greatly enrich your transition and integration into your new community.
San Diego vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI necessitates understanding the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Detroit will equip you with the insight needed for smoother transitions in your everyday travel needs.
| Comparison | San Diego | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Difficult |
In both San Diego and Detroit, the average commute times are close, hovering around the 24-25 minute mark. However, San Diego typically experiences heavier traffic congestion. In terms of public transit, San Diego offers a slightly better infrastructure compared to Detroit, making it somewhat easier to navigate the city without a car. Nonetheless, the convenience of having your own vehicle cannot be overstated in either city, although it's technically more feasible to rely on public transport in San Diego if you're living and working in more central areas.
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