Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to San Bernardino movetoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Detroit to San Bernardino (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,597, while larger moves may reach $13,234 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Detroit.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,556 to $3,963, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to San Bernardino

Moving from Detroit to San Bernardino means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Detroit than in San Bernardino, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Detroit compares to San Bernardino so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Detroit San Bernardino
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,950
Average home value $73,156 $481,419
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $55,372
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $2,054
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $4,469
Unemployment rate 9.06% 10.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.75%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Bernardino are 56% higher than in Detroit, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
    Home prices in San Bernardino are 558.1% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in San Bernardino is 46.6% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Bernardino include Stater Bros. Markets, Moss Bros., and EMQ Children & Family Services.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Bernardino is 17.8% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Bernardino is 33.2% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in San Bernardino is 17.00% higher than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Bernardino, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Bernardino are 45.83% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in San Bernardino are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,464.80 in San Bernardino to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. San Bernardino

San Bernardino Detroit
Population 222,101 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 7
Walkability score 45 51
Bike friendliness score 44 52
Crime Index 73.87 72.92
Safety Index 26.13 27.08
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Bernardino might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 65% less than Detroit.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in San Bernardino will be about the same as it currently is in Detroit. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • San Bernardino neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Detroit. Based on its score of 45 out of 100, San Bernardino isnโ€™t as walkable as Detroit, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Bernardino, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Detroit. While Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, San Bernardino earned a 44. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Bernardino as Detroit. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • San Bernardino is generally as safe as Detroit, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in San Bernardino isnโ€™t as good as it is in Detroit, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Bernardino has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Detroit is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. San Bernardino move

  • Weather: San Berardino has mild winters and hot, dry summers. Relative to other areas in Southern California, winters are colder, with frost and with chilly to cold morning temperatures common.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Bernardino. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in San Bernardino

Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Bernardino.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • South Pointe
  • Riverview
  • North International
  • Valley View
  • Seccombe Lane

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Riverview
  • South Pointe
  • Small Canyon
  • Thompson
  • Crossroads

Things to do in San Bernardino

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Bernardino has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: San Bernardino is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Original McDonald's Site and Museum, San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum, Norton AFB Museum, Inland Empire Military Museum, and Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Glen Helen Regional Park and Blair Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Detroit to San Bernardino?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to San Bernardino are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Detroit are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to San Bernardino?

With many people choosing to move from Detroit to San Bernardino in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Detroit to San Bernardino take?

Moving from Detroit, MI to San Bernardino, CA covers 2,237 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Detroit movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Bernardino.

Helpful moving resources