Moving to California (Pros & Cons of Relocating)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Planning a move to California? You're in good company. The Golden State attracts people from all walks of life. Whether you crave the lively energy of Los Angeles or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you'll find your ideal place here.

California has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.

Here's what you need to know about moving to California, plus resources to find movers for your specific route.

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Pros & cons of living in California

Relocating to California has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you'll want to consider as well.

Pros

  • ✓Ample economic opportunity
  • ✓Pleasant weather
  • ✓Abundant recreational options
  • ✓High quality of life
  • ✓Fresh and healthy foods

Cons

  • ✖High cost of living
  • ✖Heavy tax burdens
  • ✖Natural disasters
  • ✖Terrible traffic
  • ✖Strange laws

Top cities to consider in California

City Population Avg. rent Crime index
Los Angeles 3,820,914 $2,960 53.81
San Diego 1,386,932 $2,881 39.83
San Jose 971,233 $3,095 47.73

California financial and tax breakdown

Here are some key numbers to budget for before you move:

Metric California
Cost of living index* 134
State income tax 13.3%
Average rent $1,856
Average home value $771,057
Average income (per capita) $91,905

*100-point scale. Under 100 is cheaper than the national average; over 100 is more expensive.

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California climate & safety

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.

Safety varies a lot by your city and neighborhood within California, so treat the statewide crime index as a starting point, not the full picture, for whichever city you're considering.

Metric California
Summer high 87ºF
Winter low 59ºF
Annual rain 22"
Annual snow 7"
Crime index 28.43

Planning your move to California

Job market

On the employment front, California's economy is driven primarily by Real estate and rental and leasing, Professional and business services, and Manufacturing. Job opportunities tend to concentrate in the larger metro areas, so your city will matter as much as the state overall.

California's top economic sectors by output:

  • Real estate and rental and leasing ($504 billion)
  • Professional and business services ($397.3 billion)
  • Manufacturing ($320.7 billion)
  • Information ($287.8 billion)
  • Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($218.3 billion)

Schools

Moving with young children? Research the specific school districts serving whichever city or neighborhood you're considering; districts vary widely within California, so the statewide statistics won't tell you much about any one school your kids would actually attend.

If you or a family member are looking at higher education instead, here are some of the top universities in California:

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology

How to move to California: a quick checklist

Here's the rundown on moving to California. Need a full walkthrough? Check out our complete moving checklist.

  1. Narrow down a city: Browse popular California cities below to get started.
  2. Plan your budget: Cost of living and taxes can vary quite a bit across California.
  3. Sort out work and schools ahead of time: This is particularly important if you've got a family relocating with you.
  4. Lock in housing: Figure out renting vs. buying before picking a move date.
  5. Take care of your license and registration: California typically requires this within 30 days of becoming a resident.
  6. Get utilities set up early: Reach out to providers 2–3 weeks ahead of move-in, and expect higher bills if you're moving somewhere warm.
  7. Line up your move: Use your specific route below to compare movers.
  8. Switch over your address: Remember that mail forwarding, bank accounts, insurance, and voter registration all need updating.

Popular City Destinations in California

Choose your route to California

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to California?

Moving to California is worth it if you're interested in the attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local climate, and the cost of living fits your budget. Weigh the pros and cons above against your own priorities before deciding.

How much money should I have to move to California?

California has a cost of living index of 134 on a 100-point scale, where 100 is the national average. Use that alongside average rent and home values above to gauge your budget.

Does California have a state income tax?

California's state income tax rate is 13.3%. Keep in mind you'll still owe federal income tax, and other state-level taxes, such as property and sales tax, apply on top of it.

What are the job prospects like in California?

California's economy is anchored by Real estate and rental and leasing, Professional and business services, and Manufacturing. The strongest job markets are typically in and around the largest metro areas; smaller and rural communities tend to have fewer opportunities outside of local service industries. Research your city's employment landscape before committing to a move.

What is the downside of living in California?

The most common downsides of living in Golden State include:

  • High cost of living
  • Heavy tax burdens
  • Natural disasters
  • Terrible traffic
  • Strange laws

What is there to do in California?

California offers a wide range of activities depending on where you settle. Larger cities like Los Angeles have dining, arts, sports, and nightlife, while smaller towns and rural areas tend to focus on outdoor recreation and community events. Research the specific city or region you're targeting to get a realistic picture of day-to-day life.