($1,690) Cost of Moving From Washington to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Washington to California ranges from $844 to $8,262 and takes two–seven days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Washington guide.

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The best Washington to California full-service movers

Moving from Washington to California? 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 selected 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 Washington for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Washington

  1. Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. You Move Me: 5 out of 5 stars
  3. Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  4. ANC Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Seattle Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Eco Movers Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 3227005

Years in Business: 15

1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA 98119

Eco Movers Moving has been a reliable choice for local residential moves in and around Seattle, WA, since 2010. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 on both Yelp and Google My Business from over 1100 reviews, it's clear that their customers consistently have positive experiences. Unlike many other nearby moving companies, Eco Movers also offers comprehensive services such as packing, unpacking, and specialized moves for items like pianos and grandfather clocks. They accept various payment methods, including cash and credit cards, and provide full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind during your move. The Better Business Bureau rates them an A+, making Eco Movers Moving a reputable and trusted option for your next local move.

Get a Quote (206) 971-6895

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3227005
  • State license #: 3227005

Alternative Business Names

  • GS Moving Services LLC
  • Eco-Movers
  • The Big Guys
  • The Big Guys Home Delivery
  • Eco Movers
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You Move Me

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 2518689

Years in Business: 11

7620 NE 47th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98661

You Move Me offers exceptional local residential moving services throughout Vancouver, WA, and has been a trusted name in the industry since 2014. With an average rating of 4.5 on Yelp and an impressive 4.9 across nearly 1900 Google reviews, customer satisfaction is evidently high. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reliability and professional service. Unlike many nearby competitors, You Move Me also provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and no deposit is required to secure a booking. Customers can rest easy knowing their move is in capable and caring hands.

Get a Quote (604) 262-2075

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • 0955821 BC Ltd.
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Mountain Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 885643

Years in Business: 62

9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA 98499

Mountain Moving & Storage, based in Lakewood, WA, has been a trusted name in the local moving industry since 1964. Specializing in local residential moves, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and high ratings on Google My Business, they stand out as a reliable choice compared to other nearby movers. While their Yelp reviews are mixed, the overall customer satisfaction is solid, making them a reputable option for moving needs in the area.

Get a Quote (800) 249-2414

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 885643
  • State license #: 885643
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Mountain Trucking Co Inc

Local Associations

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ANC Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2877082

Years in Business: 9

5305 NE 121st, Ave #106, Vancouver, WA 98682

ANC Movers offers comprehensive local residential moving services in Vancouver, WA, and has been a trusted name in the community since 2017. Renowned for their stellar customer service, they boast an average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google, alongside an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, ANC Movers also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and even the specialized handling of items such as pianos, pool tables, and safes. Their commitment to customer convenience is evident with no deposit required, acceptance of credit cards, and full valuation insurance coverage.

Get a Quote (360) 992-8702

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Seattle Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 1731101

Years in Business: 22

521 S Monroe St., Seattle, WA 98108

Seattle Movers is a trusted local moving company offering residential moving services in and around Seattle, WA since 2003. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 from 161 Yelp reviews and a Better Business Bureau rating of A, their reputation speaks for itself. Unlike some other nearby movers, Seattle Movers also excels in providing packing and unpacking services, as well as expertly handling fragile items and antiques. They accept both cash and credit card payments, and although a deposit is required, they offer full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Get a Quote (206) 284-9445

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 1731101
  • State license #: HG063388

Alternative Business Names

  • Express Movers
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The best Washington to California moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Washington and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Washington to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Washington to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Washington to California labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Washington to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your WA to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 72 Washington movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Washington to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Washington to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,690 - $6,462 $1,004 - $2,394 $805 - $1,569
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,628 - $8,262 $1,783 - $3,504 $844 - $1,812
4+ bedrooms $5,943 - $10,961 $2,329 - $4,649 $1,069 - $2,160

*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 Washington to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington to California will cost between $1,690 and $6,462. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WA to CA will range from $3,628 to $8,262, and a large move from Washington to California will cost from $5,943 to $10,961.

Cost of moving containers from Washington to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Washington to California will cost you $1,004 to $2,394 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,783 to $3,504. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,329 to $4,649. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Washington.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington to Californiatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $805 to $1,569. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $844 to $1,812, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Washington to California costs from $1,069 to $2,160.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from WA to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Washington moving costs. The cost to move from Washington 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 Washington 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.

What to know before moving from WA to CA

If you’re moving to California from Washington, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Washington vs. California

Washington California
Average rent cost $1,900 $1,856
Average home cost $588,856 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $90,325 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 115 134
Unemployment rate 4.8% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.5% 8.68%
State Income Tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 2% less expensive in California than in Washington.
  • Home prices are about 31% higher in California than in Washington.
  • The average income is about 2% higher in California than in Washington.
  • Cost of living is 17% lower in California than in Washington.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Washington by about 13%.
  • Sales taxes are 34% higher in California than in Washington.
  • Income taxes are 13% higher in California than in Washington.

How life is different in California vs. Washington

California Washington
Population 39,029,342 7,812,880
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democratic
Summer high 87ºF 79ºF
Winter low 59ºF 31ºF
Annual rain 22" 38"
Annual snow 7" 18"
Crime index 28.43 37.32
  • The population of California is approximately 400% greater than the population of Washington.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Washington voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Washington, it’s 79ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Washington gets down to 31ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 18 inches of snow in Washington.
  • California has a lower crime rate than Washington with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 37.32.

Comparing the pros of Washington vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Washington.

Pros of living in Washington Pros of living in California
Beautiful landscapes Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Pleasant weather
High quality of life Abundant recreational options
Bountiful recreational opportunities High quality of life
Delicious seafood Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Washington vs. California

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Washington for California.

Cons of living in Washington Cons of living in California
Constant rain High cost of living
Bad traffic Heavy tax burdens
High cost of living Natural disasters
High crime rate Terrible traffic
Natural disasters Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Washington to California movetoggle

  • 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

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

What is the cheapest way to move from Washington to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Washington moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Washington to California?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Washington to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Washington to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Washington to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Washington or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Washington than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Washington, with average rent about 2% less and home prices 24% lower than in California. Washington has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources