($1,440) Cost of Moving From California to Washington
Quick answer: When you’re moving from California to Washington, you’ll typically spend between $878 and $7,698. Most moves take around two–seven days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Washington to California guide.
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The best California to Washington full-service movers
Moving from California to Washington? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your relocation to Washington:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in California, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Republic Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3369820
Years in Business: 31
8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
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
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3369820
- State license #: 0190491
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Lovejoy's Family Moving
- Republic Relocation Services
Local Associations
All Star Movers & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2971368
Years in Business: 10
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2971368
- State license #: 0191302
Air 1 Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 22
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
The best California to Washington moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in California and drops it off at your new home in Washington.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best California to Washington moving truck rentals
Looking to cut costs on your move from California to Washington? Consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind, you’ll handle all the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for moving truck rentals:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Washington labor-only movers
Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.
When you’re getting ready to move from California to Washington, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WA move
How much does it cost to move from California to Washington?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Washington. Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,440 - $5,848 | $973 - $2,493 | $797 - $1,450 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,034 - $7,698 | $1,910 - $3,504 | $878 - $1,759 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,119 - $9,820 | $2,525 - $4,554 | $1,123 - $2,182 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 954 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from California to Washington
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Washington typically costs between $1,440 and $5,848. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,034 and $7,698 when moving from CA to WA. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Washington, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,119 up to $9,820.
Cost of moving containers from California to Washington
If you're moving from California to Washington, expect to pay between $973 and $2,493 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,910 up to $3,504. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,525 and $4,554. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Washington
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $797 and $1,450 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $878 to $1,759. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home or making a long-distance move from California to Washington, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,123 to $2,182.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to WA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from California to Washington. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from CA to WA
If you’re making the move from California to Washington, it’s worth checking out how life in your new state stacks up.
Cost of living: California vs. Washington
Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in California and Washington. This simple side-by-side overview highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, so you can see how your budget might change. Take a look at how these two states measure up when it comes to the essentials that impact your cost of living:
| California | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $90,325 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 6.5% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 2% more expensive in Washington than in California; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 24% lower in Washington than in California.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 2% lower in Washington than in California.
- The cost of living in Washington is about 14% lower than in California. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
- Washington has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 11%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Washington than in California. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Washington can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Washington vs. California
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a new home, it’s about how your everyday life will actually feel. Factors like climate, safety, local culture, and the community’s size can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s a quick comparison of what life is like in Washington versus California across key lifestyle categories:
| Washington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 18" | 7" |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 28.43 |
- With a population about 80% smaller than California, Washington offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living. Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
- In the last presidential election, Washington leaned Democratic, while California supported Democratic.
- Summers in Washington average 79ºF, while California hits highs of 87ºF. Opting for a cooler destination means less heat, lower energy bills, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, perfect if you prioritize comfort and enjoy spending time outside.
- During winter, temperatures in Washington can drop to around 31ºF, while California usually only experiences lows near 59ºF. Moving to Washington means adjusting to chillier winters, which could bring higher heating costs and more intense weather. On the bright side, you’ll also get to enjoy the unique charm and winter activities that come with a colder climate.
- Get ready for about 38 inches of rain each year in Washington, which is quite a change from the 22 inches you’re used to in California. The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
- Each year, Washington gets about 18 inches of snow, far more than the 7 inches you might be accustomed to in California. That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation, regular upkeep, and dressing warmly.
- Washington has a higher crime rate than California, with crime indexes at 37.32 and 28.43, respectively. While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Washington
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Washington to California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Beautiful landscapes |
| Pleasant weather | Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant recreational options | High quality of life |
| High quality of life | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Washington
Moving from California to Washington comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Constant rain |
| Heavy tax burdens | Bad traffic |
| Natural disasters | High cost of living |
| Terrible traffic | High crime rate |
| Strange laws | Natural disasters |
Other things to consider for your California to Washington move
- Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Washington moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Washington right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Washington
Get excited to explore Washington. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Washington
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The Museum of Flight
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports Teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
