When moving from Washington to California, you’ll likely pay between $2,557–$6,175 with professional movers, roughly
$2,136 for a moving container, and about
$1,041
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Washington to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,316 – $5,033 | $798 – $1,922 | $615 – $1,117 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,557 – $6,175 | $1,403 – $2,869 | $671 – $1,411 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,540 – $8,968 | $1,986 – $3,879 | $799 – $1,598 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,316 – $5,033
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,557 – $6,175
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,540 – $8,968
How much do moving containers cost from Washington to California?
- Small move: $798 – $1,922
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,403 – $2,869
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,986 – $3,879
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $615 – $1,117
- 2–3 bedrooms: $671 – $1,411
- 4+ bedrooms: $799 – $1,598
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 954-mile move from WA to CA 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 WA to CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Washington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,900 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $588,856 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,325 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 115 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.5% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about the same in Washington and California.
Avg rent: $1,900 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 31% higher in California than in Washington.
Avg home value: $588,856 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Washington and California.
Avg income (per capita): $90,325 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 17% higher in California than in Washington.
Cost of living index: 115 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 34% higher in California than in Washington.
Avg sales tax: 6.5% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
California has a state income tax, while Washington does not — plan for higher paycheck deductions.
State income tax: 0.0% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to Washington?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| California | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 7,812,880 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 38″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 18″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 37.32 |
Will California feel more crowded than Washington?
California is about 400% more populous than Washington — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Washington and California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: California is hotter on average (87°F vs. 79°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 31°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: California gets less rain (22″ vs. 38″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 18 inches).
Is California safer than Washington?
California has a lower crime index than Washington (28.43 vs. 37.32), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Washington to California 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: 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, 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 California 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 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.
- 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 California?
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 California?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
You don’t need a moving permit in California, 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 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.
Some movers in Washington offer discounts: 4 military discounts; 5 senior discounts; 2 student 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.
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