Baltimore, MD to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Baltimore to Sacramento typically costs $4,100–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,727 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Baltimore to Sacramento
Moving from Baltimore, MD to Sacramento, CA typically costs $4,100–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,727-mile move from Baltimore to Sacramento, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,027 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $5,132 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,633 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from Baltimore to Sacramento
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Baltimore to Sacramento may only cost $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Baltimore.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,700–$4,900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sacramento, CA to Baltimore, MD guide.
Best Baltimore to Sacramento movers by type
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Best professional movers from Baltimore to Sacramento
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Baltimore to Sacramento. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best MD→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 51 Maryland moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Sacramento
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Sacramento runs about 19% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Baltimore.
Singles spend around $2,656 in Sacramento versus $2,223 in Baltimore; families pay $6,191 compared with $5,088.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Baltimore | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,892 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,333 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $180,790 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,223 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,088 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 19% more expensive in Sacramento than in Baltimore. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 164% steeper in Sacramento compared to Baltimore.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 35% greater in Sacramento than in Baltimore, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Sacramento, with the cost of living for a single person being 19% more than in Baltimore. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Sacramento, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 22% higher than in Baltimore.
- Sacramento and Baltimore have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes in Sacramento surpass those in Baltimore by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 131% more in California than in Maryland. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Baltimore versus Sacramento:
| Living Expense | Baltimore | Sacramento |
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| Basic utilities | $181.61 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.34 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.91 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $57.63 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Baltimore than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Baltimore than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in Baltimore than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in Baltimore than in Sacramento.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Baltimore than in Sacramento.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Sacramento
| Baltimore | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 585,708 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 64 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 53 | 67 |
| Crime index | 72.72 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 27.28 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Sacramento's population is about 10% less than Baltimore.
- Sacramento's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Baltimore's score of 8.
- Sacramento is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento is more bike-friendly than Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Sacramento's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 49.21 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Sacramento is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 50.79 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Baltimore it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore to Sacramento move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Sacramento. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Sacramento
With your sights set on Almond Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Sacramento. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Sacramento?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Baltimore to Sacramento. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Sacramento?
Want to save on your move from Baltimore to Sacramento? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Baltimore to Sacramento take?
The 2,727-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Sacramento, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Sacramento.
What kinds of discounts do Baltimore movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 12 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Baltimore?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 42 movers in Baltimore provide piano moving services. 32 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.