Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from San Diego, California to Livonia, Michigan

Cross-country car shipping from California to Michigan can cost anywhere from $1,228 to $2,051, with delivery often taking 5 to 13 days depending on the season and carrier availability.

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper, especially for long distances (500+ miles), due to higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience, while trains require drop-off/pickup at terminals, adding costs and time, making trucks better for flexibility and short hauls, and trains better for budget and long cross-country trips.