How Much Does it Cost to Move to California?
Fact Checked by: Quick Answer: The average cost of hiring movers in California is $122 per hour with an average total move cost between $423 and $4,014, 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.
Average cost to hire a moving company in California
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 | $423 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $595 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $972 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,268 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,604 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,014 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in California to move a studio apartment is $423. 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 $595 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 $972. You'll need three movers for five hours at $240 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $2,268 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 $2,604, 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 $4,014. 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: $4,197–$7,388
- California to Illinois: $3,486–$6,206
- California to Texas: $2,912–$5,915
- California to Arizona: $2,292–$4,984
- California to Pennsylvania: $3,941–$6,941
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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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 $1,503 which is 13.35% higher than the national average
- The average home value in California is $758,360 which is about 113.01% more expensive than the national average.
- The average income in California is $78,672 which is about 21.05% 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
- Rent a moving truck: This is your typical rental from a company like U-Haul. This will require the most amount of work but is the cheapest option.
- Rent a moving container: You load the container, they drive it. The pricing is a little more than a rental truck but less than a professional mover. This is a great option if you need storage with your move.
- Use freight shipping: 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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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: Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- 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.
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