How Much Do California Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick Answer: The average cost of hiring movers in California is $122 per hour with an average total move cost between $436 and $4,027, depending on the size and distance of your move.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your California move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
To figure out how much your move to California will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best long-distance moving companies — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, and JK Moving Services.
Average cost to hire a moving company in California
The cost to move to California depends on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. The following prices are what you might expect to pay a professional moving company in California to move your belongings.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $436 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $608 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $985 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,281 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,617 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,027 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in California to move a studio apartment is $436. You'll need two movers for three hours at $171 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $608 for local California movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $171 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire California movers to move a two-bedroom home is $985. You'll need three movers for five hours at $240 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $2,281 for local California movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $336 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in California will cost $2,617, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $336 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring California movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $4,027. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $470 per hour.
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in California
The cost to hire an interstate moving company from California to another state varies based on even more factors than a local move. Here are some cost examples from popular moving routes:
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of California
- California to New York: $4,804–$8,287
- California to Illinois: $3,791–$6,961
- California to Texas: $3,367–$6,838
- California to Arizona: $2,623–$5,590
- California to Pennsylvania: $4,736–$7,706
Now that you have an idea of what your move from California should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance moving movers in California.
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Best Interstate Moving Companies in California
These are the best interstate moving companies available in California:
- Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
Best local moving companies in California
Staying in California and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in California.
- Meathead Movers, 5 out of 5
- Maison Moving, 4.96 out of 5
- Two Men and a Truck, 4.9 out of 5
- All Star Movers & Storage, 4.9 out of 5
- Luigy's Moving & Storage, 4.9 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your move to California
Here are the main contributing factors that are going to affect the cost of your move to California.
- Size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. You’ll want to make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in California.
- Distance of the move: How far you are moving will also affect the cost of your relocation to the Golden State. Are you using a long distance mover? Or just moving a few miles away? The further the move, the higher the cost.
- Type of move: You have four main options for your move to California: A full-service moving company, renting a moving truck, getting a moving container, and hiring a freight trailer. We will break these down further in the article.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less the move to California is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra.
- Time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more! Relocating to California when moving companies have less demand will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in California
- The cost index in California is 100. This means it's similar to the national average.
- The average rent in California for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,586 which is 19.61% higher than the national average
- The average home value in California is $746,055 which is about 109.55% more expensive than the national average.
- The average income in California is $91,905 which is about 41.41% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving to California
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover to move to California will cost the most money but will require the least amount of work.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in California to hire for your move.
Other moving to California options
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings to California yourself. This will require the most amount of work — from boxing up your items to lifting them into the truck and unloading them at your new place — but is the cheapest option.
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
93% of users select this mover
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
93% of users select this mover
Moving containers or pods
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for an option that balances affordable pricing with some professional assistance. With this moving option, you load the container, and the professionals drive it to California for you. The pricing is a little more than a rental truck but less than a professional mover. This is also a great option if you need storage with your move — many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
93% of users select this mover
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
93% of users select this mover
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you’re moving across the country to Arizona and have a large amount of items. When you hire a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car to California?
Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move. Here are the top shippers:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGT Auto Transport |
4.9 / 5
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| Easy Auto Ship |
4.75 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.55 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Ship A Car Direct |
4.35 / 5
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How much does it cost to ship a car to California?
The average cost to ship a car to California depends on where you’re moving from. To figure out the cost for your move to California, use a car shipping calculator for accurate pricing based on your specific move.
Wondering what to expect when it comes to vehicle shipping costs? Here’s how much it costs to move a car to California from some of the most popular states:
- New York to California: $1,459 to $2,077
- Illinois to California: $944 to $1,554
- Texas to California: $230 to $400
- Arizona to California: $901 to $1,390
Things to know about your move to California
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about 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.
- Mover's 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.
- 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.
What is the cheapest way to move to California?
The cheapest way to move in California is a DIY move. For some people in California, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company. To get the best idea of which option is best for you, we have a moving cost calculator that will give you a free personalized and instant quote.
Helpful California resources
California Moving services
City moving costs
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