$1,333 Movers From Washington to California

The cost to move from Washington to California averages from $693 to $7,066 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 Washington 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 Washington guide.

Moving from Washington to California resources

Moving 954 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Washington to California movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Washington 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 Washington to California.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

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 Washington to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving 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 $1,333 - $5,308 $808 - $2,152 $694 - $1,215
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,925 - $7,066 $1,601 - $3,179 $693 - $1,415
4+ bedrooms $4,743 - $9,002 $1,972 - $4,096 $851 - $1,901
get a quote

*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 the final cost of your move.

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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Washington to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington to California will cost between $1,333 to $5,308. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WA to CA will range from $2,925 to $7,066, and a large move from Washington to California will cost from $4,743 to $9,002.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Washington to California?

Moving containers from Washington to California will cost you $808 to $2,152 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,601 to $3,179. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,972 to $4,096. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Washington 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 $694 to $1,215. A larger move will cost $693 to $1,415, and a 4+ bedroom move from Washington to California costs from $851 to $1,901.

Is moving from Washington to California a good idea?

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 $1,258 $1,586
Average home cost $582,732 $746,055
Average income (per capita) $73,775 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 4.5% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 9.23% 8.68%
State Income Tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 26% more expensive in California than in Washington.
  • Home prices are about 28.0% higher in California than in Washington.
  • The average income is about 24.6% higher in California than in Washington.
  • Cost of living is about the same in California and Washington.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Washington by about 6.7%.
  • Sales taxes are 5.96% lower in California than in Washington.
  • Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Washington.

How is life different in California from Washington?

California Washington
Population 39,029,342 7,738,692
Political leaning Democratic 63-34 Democrat 58-39
Summer High 87ºF 79ºF
Winter Low 59ºF 29ºF
Annual Rain 22" 38"
Annual Snow 7" 18"
Crime Index 27.88 30.22
  • The population of California is approximately 404% greater than the population of Washington.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Washington voted Democrat.
  • 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 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 18 inches of snow in Washington.
  • California has a lower crime rate than Washington with a crime index of 30.22 vs 27.88.

Comparing the pros of Washington vs. California:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Washington vs California side-by-side.

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:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the 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

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 Washington movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Eco Movers Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA, 98119
(206) 971-6895
On The Go Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
4010 140th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, 98006
(425) 441-3390

Visit our Best Movers in Washington 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 Washington to California

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

The cheapest way to move from Washington 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 Washington to California?

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.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California