Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Stockton 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 Stockton (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,637, while larger moves may reach $13,516 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 $1,536 to $3,999, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Stockton

Moving from Detroit to Stockton comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Stockton is generally more expensive than Detroit, itโ€™s 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 Stockton
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,775
Average home value $73,156 $437,561
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $63,915
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $3,767
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $6,810
Unemployment rate 9.06% 10.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Stockton are 42% 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 Stockton are 498.1% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Stockton is 69.3% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Stockton include University of the Pacific, The Herrick, and San Joaquin County Office of Education.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Stockton, since the cost of living for a single person in Stockton is 50.7% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Stockton, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Stockton is 1.8% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Stockton is 13.69% higher than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Stockton, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Stockton are 50.00% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Stockton are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,520.40 in Stockton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Stockton

Stockton Detroit
Population 320,804 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 7
Walkability score 44 51
Bike friendliness score 52 52
Crime Index 75.2 72.92
Safety Index 24.8 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Stockton might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 50% less than Detroit.
  • Getting around Stockton without a car might be more difficult than in Detroit. Stockton has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Detroit is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Stockton neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Detroit. Based on its score of 44 out of 100, Stockton 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.
  • Stockton and Detroit are similarly bike-friendly based on their rating of 52. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Stockton 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.
  • Stockton 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 Stockton and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Stockton move

  • Weather: Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.
  • 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 Stockton. 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 Stockton

Ready to relocate to "Asparagus Capital of the World"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Stockton.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Stonewood
  • Spanos Park
  • Weston Ranch
  • Lincoln Village Proper
  • Lakeview

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Brookside
  • Spanos Park
  • Stonewood
  • Lincoln Village West
  • Weston Ranch

Things to do in Stockton

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

  • Arts and culture: Stockton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Haggin Museum and Children's Museum of Stockton.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s University Park World Peace Rose Garden 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 Stockton Heat (AHL), Stockton Kings (NBA G League), or Stockton Ports (Low-A West) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Stockton?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Stockton 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 Stockton?

With many people choosing to move from Detroit to Stockton 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 Stockton take?

Moving from Detroit, MI to Stockton, CA covers 2,359 miles and usually takes seven to 18 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 Stockton.

Helpful moving resources