When moving from California to Nebraska, you’ll likely pay between $2,786–$6,613 with professional movers, roughly
$2,531 for a moving container, and about
$1,468
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Nebraska?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,162 – $4,889 | $964 – $2,417 | $828 – $1,553 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,786 – $6,613 | $1,674 – $3,389 | $914 – $2,022 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,205 – $8,634 | $2,344 – $4,383 | $1,173 – $2,256 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,162 – $4,889
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,786 – $6,613
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,205 – $8,634
How much do moving containers cost from California to Nebraska?
- Small move: $964 – $2,417
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,674 – $3,389
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,344 – $4,383
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $828 – $1,553
- 2–3 bedrooms: $914 – $2,022
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,173 – $2,256
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 1,458-mile move from CA to NE using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 NE?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $987 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $259,443 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $71,722 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.96% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.64% |
Will rent be more expensive in Nebraska?
Rent is about 47% lower in Nebraska than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $987
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 66% lower in Nebraska than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $259,443
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 22% lower in Nebraska than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $71,722
Is the overall cost of living higher in Nebraska?
The cost of living is 33% lower in Nebraska than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 20% lower in Nebraska than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.96%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 50% lower in Nebraska than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 6.64%
How is daily life different in Nebraska compared to California?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Nebraska | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,978,379 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 59.6-39.1 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 27″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 21.72 | 28.43 |
Will Nebraska feel more crowded than California?
Nebraska is about 95% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Nebraska voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Nebraska is colder on average (13°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Nebraska?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (27″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Nebraska gets more snow (28 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Nebraska safer than California?
Nebraska has a lower crime index than California (21.72 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Nebraska?
Museums in Nebraska
- Museum of American Speed
- The Durham Museum
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
- Omaha Children’s Museum
Parks in Nebraska
- Heartland of America Park
- Pioneer Park Nature Center
- Kenefick Park
- First National’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
- Holmes Park & Lake
Sports teams in Nebraska
- Lincoln Stars (USHL)
- Omaha Lancers (USHL)
- Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A East)
- Tri-City Storm Hockey USHL
- Creighton Bluejays (NCAA)
Universities in Nebraska
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Creighton University
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Nebraska 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: The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) regulates local and intrastate moving companies within the state. All movers must have a Certificate of Authority issued by the NPSC, maintain minimum levels of insurance, and comply with regulations set forth by the Commission’s Motor Carrier Division. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Nebraska moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Nebraska, 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. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Nebraska right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost choice with minimal coverage, as movers are liable for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your mover misplaces or damages a valuable antique weighing 30 pounds, you’d receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For broader coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider consulting a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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 and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Nebraska?
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.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) regulates local and intrastate moving companies within the state. All movers must have a Certificate of Authority issued by the NPSC, maintain minimum levels of insurance, and comply with regulations set forth by the Commission’s Motor Carrier Division.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Nebraska moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Nebraska?
You don’t need a moving permit in Nebraska, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost choice with minimal coverage, as movers are liable for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your mover misplaces or damages a valuable antique weighing 30 pounds, you’d receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For broader coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider consulting a third-party insurance provider.
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—confirm with each mover before booking.
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
