Best Movers From California to Massachusetts (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from California to Massachusetts, you’ll likely pay between $4,061–$8,653 with professional movers, roughly
$3,953 for a moving container, and about
$2,631
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,347 — $8,653 Top local mover
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$1,347 — $13,151 Top long-distance mover
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$1,416 — $6,902 Top container company
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$1,514 — $4,568 Top truck rental
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$59 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Massachusetts
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from California to Massachusetts.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Massachusetts
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 08, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 22, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 13, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 13, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Massachusetts?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,347 – $5,621 | $1,416 – $3,570 | $1,514 – $3,217 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $4,061 – $8,653 | $2,485 – $5,421 | $1,726 – $3,536 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,032 – $13,151 | $3,433 – $6,902 | $2,205 – $4,568 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,347 – $5,621
- 2–3 bedrooms: $4,061 – $8,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,032 – $13,151
How much do moving containers cost from California to Massachusetts?
- Small move: $1,416 – $3,570
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,485 – $5,421
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,433 – $6,902
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,514 – $3,217
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,726 – $3,536
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,205 – $4,568
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 3,095-mile move from CA to MA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to MA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Massachusetts?
Rent is about 14% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,588
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 19% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $623,131
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in California and Massachusetts.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $96,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Massachusetts?
The cost of living is 25% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 28% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.25%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 32% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 9.0%
How is daily life different in Massachusetts compared to California?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Massachusetts | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,001,399 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 61.5-36.3 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 49″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 47″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 13.92 | 28.43 |
Will Massachusetts feel more crowded than California?
Massachusetts is about 82% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (82°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Massachusetts is colder on average (16°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Massachusetts?
Rain: Massachusetts gets more rain (49″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Massachusetts gets more snow (47 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Massachusetts safer than California?
Massachusetts has a lower crime index than California (13.92 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Massachusetts?
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxet
- Whaling Museum
- John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Massachusetts move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Massachusetts, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Massachusetts?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Massachusetts?
Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Massachusetts moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Massachusetts?
You don’t need a moving permit in Massachusetts.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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