Moving from Texas to California: Cost and Tips

Relocating from TX to CA involves many factors. When the move occurs, how much you’re moving, and the method you choose to move all impact your moving budget. Use this guide to compare costs.

Sergio Ocampo

Sergio Ocampo is a Chief Writer for moveBuddha keen to share his moving expertise.

Jul 24, 2020 · 5 min

It would be no surprise to anyone that the two most populated states in the country would have a lot of people moving between them.

If this is you, you’ll of course wonder how much it’ll cost.

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Texas to California is $2,500-$4,250 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your move?

Let’s dive right in.

Moving the other way? Cost of Moving from California to Texas

How Much Does It Cost to Move from Texas to California?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,790-$2,455	$1,923-$2,429	1,710-$2,160	$1,118-$1,509
2-3 bedroom	$2,970-$4,632	$2,890-$3,650	$2,518-$3,180	$1,306-$1,763
4+ bedroom	$3,923-$7,340	$3,620-$4,573	$3,325-$4,200	$1,571-$2,121

*truck rental estimates include the fuel cost. They do not include lodging, tolls, or parking.

If you want to crunch your own numbers, use our moving cost calculator.

What Causes the Wide Swing in Prices?

Professional movers simply cost more, but also save you on the stress of conducting the move yourself. If you’re looking to save money, then truck rentals are the cheapest option, but involve all the labor of loading and unloading, and don’t forget driving the truck from Texas to California.

Moving container companies and freight companies fall in between the cost of pro movers and DIY moves. You have to load the container or freight vehicle yourself and unload them when they arrive at their destination. But the companies do all the driving.

What Makes Moving Destinations Popular? How Does it Save?

Inbound states like California are gaining in popularity because of the weather and economic growth. Outbound states like Texas have strong economic stability, but may not have the diversity in population, especially for young movers. Plus, hot humid weather and hurricanes may not appeal to some.

Professional moving companies, freight companies, and container companies may give you a deal if they have other customers relocating from Texas to California. You share transportation with others and save.

When to Move: Offseason vs Peak Moving Season

The cheapest time to move is during the offseason. That’s fall and winter. Everyone from professional movers to truck rental companies do not have the same demand as they do during peak season and are ready to make a deal.

If you have no choice but to move during peak moving season you will pay more. During late spring and summer moving costs spike. Compare for yourself the difference between an offseason move and a peak season move for a 5-bedroom home with professional movers from Texas to California.

February 1 for a five-bedroom house with professional movers: $3,923-$7,340
July 4 for a five-bedroom house with professional movers: $7,137-$11,350

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Why Are People Moving from Texas to California?

Even with higher state income tax rates and housing costs, California continues to be an economic giant for the US, which attracts people from around the country. Add to this nearly perfect weather (depending on where you move in the state).

Texas continues to lose residents mainly because of a changing demographic. People love diversity and Texas, while prospering in the oil industry, does not always offer this benefit to younger people.

Retirees are also finding California more attractive for weather-related reasons. A temperate climate in Pasadena is more favorable than a sweltering and humid summer in Plano.

Best Places to Move in California

Moving for Work from Texas to California

California is the anchor state for three primary industries: agriculture, entertainment, and digital technology.

Where to Move for Agriculture Employment in California

Fresno

Fresno is definitely a farm city that offers a lower cost of living than most of the state. Job opportunities in and out of agriculture are driving Fresno’s growth. Plus, there are always fresh fruits and veggies.

Tulare

Tulare boasts some of the most fertile farmland in the world. Along with farms, food producers and distributors call this place home which offers plenty of job opportunities and one of the lowest costs of living.

Monterey

Monterey crops supply large percentages of the nation’s need for fruits and vegetables. Unlike other farmland communities in California, it is also a coastal city.

Where to Move for Entertainment Employment in California

Los Angeles

LA is the hotspot of entertainment. Though you may not make it as a movie star, there is an entire industry of workers who support the film and TV industry. This union-based mecca offers a robust job market for everyone from makeup artists to set-building carpenters.

Where to Move for Digital Employment in California

San Jose

Silicon Valley’s epicenter is San Jose. Here you will find the largest tech giants from Google and Facebook. Programmers will find ample opportunities from new startups to big digital players like eBay, all within a short radius.

Moving for Weather from Texas to California

Santa Barbara

By far the best weather location in California is Santa Barbara. This translates into 283 days of sun, 36 days of rain, and brief winter lows in the high 40s at worst.

San Diego

The weather is mildest in California when it is near the coastline. San Diego offers beautiful beaches and year-round perfect weather. Though the cost of living is high, for many it is worth it to enjoy endless sunny days.

Moving for Retirement from Texas to California

Certainly, if you have an enormous nest egg than places like San Diego and Santa Barbara would be your best relocation choice. But for most there are budgets. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the California dream.

Oxnard

Oxnard offers affordable living and a lot of amenities. The city lies only an hour from LA and you can actually afford beachfront housing. The median household income here is $62,349 with median home value settling at $332,600, which is actually a great deal for California’s real estate.

Ventura

Find a median household income of $66,485 and a median home value of $428,600 in this coastal city. This site of surfing competitions and five college campuses doesn’t feel like a retirement destination. You’ll also find the best dining and shopping in downtown Ventura along with museums and art galleries.

Simi Valley

Slightly higher in the cost of living, Simi Valley still comes in as one of California’s more affordable cities. Simi Valley offers outdoor excursion opportunities for early retirees. A hiking trail system provides endless hours of exploration.