($1,392) Cost of Moving From California to Idaho

Quick answer: Moving from California to Idaho usually costs between $795 and $7,526, with most moves taking about two–seven days. Your actual price will depend on the size of your home, the time of your move, and whether you hire pros or go the DIY route.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

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

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The best California to Idaho full-service movers

Moving from California to Idaho? 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 narrowed down 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 California for your relocation to Idaho:

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
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) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
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
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(980) 217-6841
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
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(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in California

Finding a trustworthy local moving company can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in California based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.

  1. Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  4. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591
Get a Quote

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3670248

Years in Business: 14

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.

Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3670248
  • State license #: 0190673
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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Republic Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3369820

Years in Business: 31

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154

Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

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
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3369820
  • State license #: 0190491
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Lovejoy's Family Moving
  • Republic Relocation Services

Local Associations

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Air 1 Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1095485

Years in Business: 22

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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The best California to Idaho moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in California and delivering it to your new place in Idaho.

Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:

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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 California to Idaho moving truck rentals

Want to save money on your move from California to Idaho? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you'll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:

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 California to Idaho labor-only movers

Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.

When you’re getting ready to move from California to Idaho, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 31
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 22
  • Yelp: 3.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

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

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California 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 California to Idaho?

Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Idaho. You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,392 - $5,469 $1,014 - $2,368 $781 - $1,506
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,975 - $7,526 $1,838 - $3,463 $795 - $1,756
4+ bedrooms $5,118 - $10,303 $2,377 - $4,863 $1,069 - $2,071

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 909 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 California to Idaho

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Idaho will cost between $1,392 and $5,469. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to ID will range from $2,975 to $7,526, and a large move from California to Idaho will cost from $5,118 to $10,303.

Cost of moving containers from California to Idaho

If you’re relocating from California to Idaho, you’ll typically spend between $1,014 and $2,368 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,838 up to $3,463. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,377 and $4,863. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Idaho

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $781 and $1,506 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $795 to $1,756. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home or making a long-distance move from California to Idaho, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,069 to $2,071.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to ID

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Idaho 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 California 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 CA to ID

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

Cost of living: California vs. Idaho

Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in California and Idaho. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:

California Idaho
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,061
Average home cost $771,057 $451,520
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $70,214
Cost of Living Index 134 106
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.7%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 6.03%
State Income Tax 13.3% 5.8%
  • You’ll pay about 43% less in rent in Idaho compared to California, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
  • Here’s some good news for your wallet—home prices in Idaho are about 41% lower than in California. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
  • Be sure to adjust your budget before moving. Average incomes in Idaho are about 24% lower than in California.
  • Moving to Idaho costs about 21% less than living in California. You’ll save a lot, but smart planning is still key for a smooth move.
  • With an unemployment rate about 31% lower than California, Idaho boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
  • Sales tax in Idaho is 31% lower than in California. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Idaho could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
  • Income taxes in Idaho are 56% lower than in California. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.

How life is different in Idaho vs. California

Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live. It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture, and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how life in Idaho stacks up against California across important lifestyle factors:

Idaho California
Population 1,964,726 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 70-30 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 85ºF 87ºF
Winter low 17ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 18" 22"
Annual snow 47" 7"
Crime index 11.68 28.43
  • The population of Idaho is approximately 95% lower than the population of California. Moving to a less populous state can offer affordability, space, and simplicity, but may also require adjusting to limited services or slower job growth.
  • In the last presidential election, Idaho voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Idaho is 85ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Idaho reaches about 17ºF and California only gets down to 59ºF. Moving to Idaho with its colder winters means you need to prepare for higher heating costs, possible lifestyle shifts, and more intense weather, but it can also offer unique seasonal experiences and beauty.
  • You can expect only about 18 inches of annual rainfall in Idaho and 22 inches of rainfall in California. Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
  • In Idaho, it snows about 47 inches annually while California gets only about 7 inches of snow. With the additional snowm you'll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
  • Idaho has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 11.68 vs. 28.43. A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it's not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Idaho

Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Idaho versus California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Idaho
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Low cost of living
Abundant recreational options High quality of life
High quality of life Beautiful landscapes
Fresh and healthy foods Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Idaho

Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from California to Idaho.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Idaho
High cost of living Low diversity
Heavy tax burdens Harsh winters
Natural disasters Political dominance
Terrible traffic Isolation
Strange laws Competitive housing

Other things to consider for your California to Idaho move

  • Weather: The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
  • HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
  • Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
  • 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: In Idaho, in-state movers are regulated by and must register with the Idaho Transportation Department. In cases of unresolvable disputes with local movers, they may help. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
  • State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Idaho moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Idaho, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Idaho right on time. 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. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection for minimal coverage, provided by movers at no extra charge. With liability capped at 60 cents per pound per article, consider alternative coverage options from your selected moving company or explore third-party insurance for full value protection.
  • Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Things to do in Idaho

Get excited to explore Idaho. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:

Museums in Idaho

  • Museum of Clean
  • Warhawk Air Museum
  • Museum of Idaho
  • Legacy Flight Museum
  • Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center

Parks in Idaho

  • Harriman State Park
  • Sawtooth Wilderness Area
  • Indian Creek Park
  • McEuen Park
  • Thousand Springs State Park

Sports Teams in Idaho

  • Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)
  • Boise State Broncos (NCAA)
  • Idaho State Bengals (NCAA)
  • Idaho Vandals Big Sky (NCAA)

Universities in Idaho

  • University of Idaho
  • Boise State University
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho
  • Idaho State University
  • Northwest Nazarene University

FAQs

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

If you want a stress-free move, hiring a full-service California moving company is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more. Looking to save money? Try renting a moving truck or going with a moving container, but be prepared to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. Want to spend even less? Check out our tips for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Idaho? toggle

Plenty of full-service movers can handle your car transport for an added cost. Prefer to manage it yourself? You can quickly set up vehicle shipping from California to Idaho using a top-rated auto transport company.

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

An increasing number of people are relocating from California to Idaho to enjoy all the great benefits Idaho provides, such as: ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Idaho? toggle

Living in Idaho usually costs less than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Idaho, with average rent about 43% less and home prices 41.4% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Idaho, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

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

Thinking of moving to Idaho on your own? You’ll want to earn around $87,577 to cover your expenses comfortably. If you’re living on your own, expect to spend about $4,038 per month, or around $7,555 if you have a family of four. Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Boise and Meridian tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.

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