Best overall value
Local moving companies in Detroit
- Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Men on the Move: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.14 / 5
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficient service, friendly and professional movers, and careful handling of clientsโ belongings, with 72% of the 104 customer submissions giving favorable input. Feedback often describes smooth, speedy moves and polite staff who go out of their way to help. Teams consistently arrive on time, work quickly, and keep items protected, which distinguishes Bellhop from other moving companies. Yet a quarter of feedback highlights issues, with most complaints centered around damaged items, late or missing crews, and poor communication. Some users faced delays, last-minute cancellations, or unexpected extra costs, mentioning trouble reaching support and problems with resolving claims. Compared to typical movers, Bellhop stands out for its courteous teams and quick jobs but should address reliability and claims handling for a more consistent service experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
Palmer Moving Services
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 511993
Years in Business: 114
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 USStandout service and attention define customer feedback for Palmer Moving Services. With 250 reviews analyzed, 81% report positive experiences highlighted by professional staff, careful handling of items, efficient processes, strong communication, and timely moves. Customers often mention courteous crews going out of their way to accommodate needs, as well as accurate quotes and seamless executionโattributes that place Palmer ahead of many competitors. Feedback often credits Palmer for reducing moving day stress and protecting property. On the downside, a smaller portion of customers report major concerns such as items damaged during moves, difficulties in reaching staff, and final invoices higher than expected. Lost or mishandled belongings and slow claims resolution also receive criticism, matching common complaints faced by most moving companies. Most customers cite friendly, skilled crews as a strong reason for recommending Palmer, but those experiencing issues see communication gaps and claims processes as areas for improvement.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 511993
Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 1673815
Years in Business: 17
1806 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192 USRoyal Movers Enterprises, LLC receives standout marks for professionalism, careful handling, speed, and value according to 280 pieces of customer feedback. About three-quarters of the input is positive, highlighting the staffโs courteous approach, affordable pricing, and consistent attention to protecting belongings and property during quick moves. Customers frequently mention thorough furniture wrapping, clear communication, and efficiencyโtraits that set Royal Movers apart from larger competitors, who customers sometimes cite as less careful or more expensive. Yet, a quarter of reviewers describe troubling experiences, with multiple reports of rude or unprofessional behavior, pricing disputes, and lack of clear updates or responsiveness. Unprofessional conduct, surprise cost increases, and breakdowns in communication form the backbone of these complaints. Royal Movers stands out for affordable, careful, and efficient service, but potential clients should be aware that some have encountered significant issues with customer service and billing transparency.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1673815
Alternative Business Names
- Royal Movers
White Star Movers, Inc.
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 624288
Years in Business: 39
35956 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 USCustomers repeatedly describe White Star Movers as fast, professional, and genuinely careful with belongings, giving them a much higher satisfaction rate than most moving companies. Out of 290 reviews analyzed, 89% gave positive feedback. Movers are frequently praised for efficiency, careful handling, courteous behavior, prompt arrivals, and effective communication, making moves less stressful. Many clients found the booking process and pricing straightforward, with teams flexibly accommodating last-minute changes and treating homes and possessions respectfully. In contrast, a small number of negative experiences mention breakage, missing items, and issues around pricing or item estimates. Complaints often center on goods being lost or damaged, with a handful citing unexpected fees or miscalculated estimates. Compared to typical industry standards, White Star attracts more consistent praise for professionalism and reliability but, like any moving service, occasional claims about item damage surface. The companyโs strong pointsโspeed, care, and politenessโset it apart, though customers moving valuable or irreplaceable objects should review best practices for inventory and insurance. Most feedback confirms White Star provides a dependable, customer-focused move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 624288
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Men on the Move
rating
4.52 / 5
DOT #: 760250
Years in Business: 33
12400 Merriman Rd, Livonia, MI 48150 USMen on the Move earns high marks from its customers, with 81% of 117 feedback entries praising fast service, skilled and courteous staff, excellent care for possessions, affordability, and speedy moves. Positive accounts highlight on-time teams, thorough communication, and belongings arriving safe and sound, placing Men on the Move ahead of many other movers in professionalism and value. Problems are less frequent, but a small number of reviews note item damage, late arrivals, and occasionally unfriendly encounters. Most critics experienced issues with damages or delays, but some also described poor attitudes. Only 3% of feedback was neutral, typically from clients wishing for more service options or precise timing. Men on the Move stands out for efficiency, polite workers, and competitive pricing, with few negative experiences compared to industry averages.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 760250
Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to San Jose move
What to know before moving from Detroit to San Jose
Moving from Detroit to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Detroit, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Detroit | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $3,095 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 148% higher than in Detroit, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in San Jose are 1,887.1% higher than in Detroit. - Income in San Jose is 120.9% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 47.0% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 24.9% higher than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 27.15% lower than in Detroit.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Jose are 56.33% higher than in Detroit.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,408.80 in San Jose 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 Jose
| San Jose | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 47.73 | 72.92 |
| Safety Index | 52.27 | 27.08 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 52% greater than Detroit, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in San Jose 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.
- Youโll find San Jose to be about as walkable as Detroit. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Detroit in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Detroit is rated as 52 out of 100.
- San Jose has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 47.73 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Jose than in Detroit, based on San Joseโs safety index of 52.27 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Jose isnโt as good as it is in Detroit, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose 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 Jose move
- Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
- 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 โT 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Jose. 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 Jose
Ready to relocate to "Man Jose"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Jose is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez 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 San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to San Jose 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 Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Detroit to San Jose 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 Jose take?
Moving from Detroit, MI to San Jose, CA covers 2,425 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Detroit movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.
