$1,559 Movers From Wisconsin to California
The cost to move from Wisconsin to California averages from $1,562 to $9,667 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service Wisconsin moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Wisconsin guide.
Moving from Wisconsin to California resources
- Best Wisconsin to California movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Wisconsin to California.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Wisconsin to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 2,171 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Wisconsin to California movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from Wisconsin to California is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Wisconsin to California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Wisconsin to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Wisconsin to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
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Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,559 - $6,181 | $1,460 - $3,802 | $1,595 - $3,021 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,420 - $9,667 | $2,649 - $5,744 | $1,562 - $3,387 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,292 - $14,736 | $3,599 - $7,176 | $2,138 - $4,193 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,171 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
There are many factors that influence Wisconsin moving costs. The cost to move from Wisconsin to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Wisconsin is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Wisconsin to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to California will cost between $1,559 to $6,181. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WI to CA will range from $4,420 to $9,667, and a large move from Wisconsin to California will cost from $8,292 to $14,736.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Wisconsin to California?
Moving containers from Wisconsin to California will cost you $1,460 to $3,802 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,649 to $5,744. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,599 to $7,176. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Wisconsin.
How much is a moving truck from Wisconsin to California?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,595 to $3,021. A larger move will cost $1,562 to $3,387, and a 4+ bedroom move from Wisconsin to California costs from $2,138 to $4,193.
Is moving from Wisconsin to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Wisconsin, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Wisconsin vs California
Wisconsin | California | |
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Average rent cost | $856 | $1,586 |
Average home cost | $250,257 | $746,055 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,293 | $91,905 |
Cost of Living Index | 97 | 100 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.8% |
Average Sales Tax | 5.43% | 8.68% |
State Income Tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 85% more expensive in California than in Wisconsin.
- Home prices are about 198.1% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
- The average income is about 45.2% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
- Cost of living is 3.1% lower in California than in Wisconsin.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Wisconsin by about 17.1%.
- Sales taxes are 59.85% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
- Income taxes are 73.86% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
How is life different in California from Wisconsin?
California | Wisconsin | |
---|---|---|
Population | 39,029,342 | 5,895,908 |
Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Democratic 50-49 |
Summer High | 87ºF | 81ºF |
Winter Low | 59ºF | 7ºF |
Annual Rain | 22" | 34" |
Annual Snow | 7" | 48" |
Crime Index | 27.88 | 17.9 |
- The population of California is approximately 562% greater than the population of Wisconsin.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Wisconsin voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Wisconsin, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Wisconsin gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 34 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 48 inches of snow in Wisconsin.
- California has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin with a crime index of 27.88 vs 17.9.
Comparing the pros of Wisconsin vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Wisconsin vs California side-by-side.
Pros of living in Wisconsin | Pros of living in California |
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Low cost of living | Ample economic opportunity |
High quality of life | Pleasant weather |
Abundant outdoor recreational activities | Abundant recreational options |
Unique tasty food | High quality of life |
Borders great lakes | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Wisconsin vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Wisconsin for California.
Cons of living in Wisconsin | Cons of living in California |
---|---|
High tax burden | High cost of living |
Extreme seasonal weather | Heavy tax burdens |
Lack of diversity | Natural disasters |
Poor roads | Terrible traffic |
High rate of alcoholism | Strange laws |
Considerations for moving to California
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State Licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Wisconsin movers?
Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | Get A Quote |
11801 W Fairview Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53226 (414) 203-1306 |
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Above Average Moving LLC | Get A Quote |
1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI, 53704 (608) 556-7980 |
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EC Moving & Storage, Inc. | Get A Quote |
3230 Hogarth St, Eau Claire, WI, 54703 (715) 832-8161 |
Visit our Best Movers in Wisconsin page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs about moving from Wisconsin to California
What is the cheapest way to move from Wisconsin to California?
The cheapest way to move from Wisconsin to California is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from Wisconsin to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Wisconsin to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.