Best Movers From California to Missouri (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from California to Missouri, professional movers typically run between
$3,224 and $6,904, a moving container averages about
$2,945, and a rental truck is around
$1,746.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,278 — $6,904 Top local mover
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$1,278 — $10,516 Top long-distance mover
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$1,063 — $5,323 Top container company
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$1,011 — $2,836 Top truck rental
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$60 — $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 Missouri
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from California to Missouri.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Missouri
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 09, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 08, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 07, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 02, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 20, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 21, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Missouri?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,278 – $4,914 | $1,063 – $2,651 | $1,011 – $2,008 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,224 – $6,904 | $1,970 – $3,920 | $1,151 – $2,342 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,650 – $10,516 | $2,512 – $5,323 | $1,423 – $2,836 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,278 – $4,914
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,224 – $6,904
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,650 – $10,516
How much do moving containers cost from California to Missouri?
- Small move: $1,063 – $2,651
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,970 – $3,920
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,512 – $5,323
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,011 – $2,008
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,151 – $2,342
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,423 – $2,836
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 1,844-mile move from CA to MO 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 MO?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $957 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $248,327 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $65,920 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.8% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 4.03% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.8% |
Will rent be more expensive in Missouri?
Rent is about 48% lower in Missouri than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $957
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 68% lower in Missouri than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $248,327
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 28% lower in Missouri than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $65,920
Is the overall cost of living higher in Missouri?
The cost of living is 34% lower in Missouri than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 88
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 54% lower in Missouri than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 4.03%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 64% lower in Missouri than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 4.8%
How is daily life different in Missouri compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Missouri | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,196,156 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 59-41 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 13″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 28.28 | 28.43 |
Will Missouri feel more crowded than California?
Missouri is about 84% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Missouri voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (88°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Missouri is colder on average (20°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Missouri?
Rain: Missouri gets more rain (43″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Missouri gets more snow (13 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Missouri safer than California?
Missouri and California have similar crime rates (28.28 vs. 28.43). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
What are some things to do in Missouri?
Museums in Missouri
- National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Titanic Museum
- City Museum
- Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Parks in Missouri
- Elephant Rocks State Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park
- Bennett Spring State Park
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Sports teams in Missouri
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
- Kansas City Royals (MLB)
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- St. Louis Blues (NHL)
- St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
Universities in Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Missouri
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Saint Louis University
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Missouri move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Missouri moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Missouri does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Missouri?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Missouri?
Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Missouri moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Missouri?
Missouri does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
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.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular California routes
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