($1,423) Cost of Moving From Arizona to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Arizona to California ranges from $684 to $7,022 and takes two–seven days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Arizona guide.

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The best Arizona to California full-service movers

Moving from Arizona to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Arizona for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Arizona

  1. Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Gilbert Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  3. Dose Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  4. Just-In Time Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 667348

Years in Business: 35

501 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc., established in 1990, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Tucson, AZ. With a solid reputation, they boast 53 Yelp reviews averaging a 3.9 rating and 78 Google reviews with a 4.6 average, complemented by an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike some competitors, they offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your local moving needs.

Get a Quote (520) 722-0456

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Gilbert Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 3190108

Years in Business: 8

6056 E Baseline Rd, Suite 149, Mesa, AZ 85206

Gilbert Moving & Storage is a reliable local moving company based in Mesa, AZ, offering comprehensive residential moving services since 2018. With stellar consumer reviews—boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, and an A rating with the Better Business Bureau—the company stands out among nearby competitors. Their service portfolio includes packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and they handle antiques with care. No deposit is required, and full valuation insurance coverage is provided, making them a trusted choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (480) 825-8648

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Gilbert Moving and Storage LLC
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Dose Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 2523039

Pricing: $155/hr

Years in Business: 10

2550 E Mohawk Ln, Suite 190, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Dose Moving & Storage, established in 2015, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Phoenix, AZ. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a reputable and trusted choice. Unlike many other local movers, Dose Moving & Storage stands out with comprehensive services including packing, fragile-only packing, and labor-only services. Additionally, they offer piano and antique moving, providing peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage – all without requiring a deposit and accepting credit cards.

Get a Quote (480) 492-9272

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Dose Moving Delivery Staging LLC
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Just-In Time Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1759501

Years in Business: 20

4627 E Ivy St, Mesa, AZ 85205

Just-In Time Moving & Storage is a trusted local residential moving company serving Mesa, AZ, since 2005. Unlike many other moving companies in the area, they boast a stellar reputation with 747 Yelp reviews averaging 4.8 stars and 645 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, along with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and specialized crating, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos and antiques. For those in need of storage solutions, Just-In Time Moving & Storage also provides storage options, making them a versatile and reliable choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (480) 213-0395

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Just-In Time Moving And Delivery LLC
  • Just In TIme Moving
  • Just In Time Moving and Delivery
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Mentors Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2911596

Years in Business: 8

3416 S 48th St Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Mentors Moving & Storage has been a trusted local residential moving company in Phoenix, AZ since 2018. Compared to other nearby movers, they stand out with their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, office moving, and the specialized handling of fragile items, pianos, and antiques. Their exceptional reputation is highlighted by 97 Yelp reviews with a 4.6 average rating and 220 Google reviews boasting a 4.8 average rating, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. This company offers shipment tracking and accepts credit cards, making them a reliable and customer-friendly option for local moves.

Get a Quote (480) 605-1782

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Mentors Moving & Storage of Arizona LLC
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The best Arizona to California moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Arizona and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Arizona to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Arizona to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Arizona to California labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Arizona to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your AZ to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 76 Arizona movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Arizona to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Arizona to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,423 - $4,664 $897 - $2,195 $647 - $1,254
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,636 - $7,022 $1,713 - $3,268 $684 - $1,416
4+ bedrooms $4,676 - $9,316 $2,208 - $4,002 $910 - $1,717

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 756 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Arizona to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Arizona to California will cost between $1,423 and $4,664. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AZ to CA will range from $2,636 to $7,022, and a large move from Arizona to California will cost from $4,676 to $9,316.

Cost of moving containers from Arizona to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Arizona to California will cost you $897 to $2,195 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,713 to $3,268. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,208 to $4,002. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Arizona.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Arizona to Californiatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $647 to $1,254. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $684 to $1,416, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Arizona to California costs from $910 to $1,717.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from AZ to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Arizona moving costs. The cost to move from Arizona to California will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Arizona is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from AZ to CA

If you’re moving to California from Arizona, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Arizona vs. California

Arizona California
Average rent cost $1,308 $1,856
Average home cost $428,711 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $72,581 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 107 134
Unemployment rate 3.6% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 8.4% 8.68%
State Income Tax 2.5% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 42% more expensive in California than in Arizona.
  • Home prices are about 80% higher in California than in Arizona.
  • The average income is about 27% higher in California than in Arizona.
  • Cost of living is 25% lower in California than in Arizona.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Arizona by about 50%.
  • Sales taxes are 3% higher in California than in Arizona.
  • Income taxes are 432% higher in California than in Arizona.

How life is different in California vs. Arizona

California Arizona
Population 39,029,342 7,431,344
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democrat 56-44
Summer high 87ºF 99ºF
Winter low 59ºF 34ºF
Annual rain 22" 12"
Annual snow 7" 6"
Crime index 28.43 24.89
  • The population of California is approximately 425% greater than the population of Arizona.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Arizona voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Arizona, it’s 99ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Arizona gets down to 34ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 12 inches of rainfall in Arizona.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 6 inches of snow in Arizona.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Arizona with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 24.89.

Comparing the pros of Arizona vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Arizona.

Pros of living in Arizona Pros of living in California
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Pleasant weather
Abundant recreational opportunities Abundant recreational options
Cultural diversity High quality of life
No traffic Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Arizona vs. California

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Arizona for California.

Cons of living in Arizona Cons of living in California
Extreme weather High cost of living
Barren desert land Heavy tax burdens
Health hazards Natural disasters
Limited public transportation Terrible traffic
No winter Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Arizona to California movetoggle

  • 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.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Arizona to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Arizona moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Arizona to California?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Arizona to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Arizona to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Arizona to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Arizona than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Arizona, with average rent about 30% less and home prices 44% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 80% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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