How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to MA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 370 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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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 Massachusetts?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California
to Massachusetts, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,347 – $5,621 |
$1,416 – $3,570 |
$1,514 – $3,217 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$4,061 – $8,653 |
$2,485 – $5,421 |
$1,726 – $3,536 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$8,032 – $13,151 |
$3,433 – $6,902 |
$2,205 – $4,568 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 3,095-mile relocation from CA to
MA, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from California to Massachusetts
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from California to Massachusetts, you’ll likely pay between
$1,347
and $5,621.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$4,061 and $8,653
for the same journey (CA to MA).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,032
to $13,151.
Cost of moving containers from California to Massachusetts
When you’re heading from California to Massachusetts, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $1,416 and
$3,570. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $2,485 and
$5,421. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,433
to $6,902. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Massachusetts
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
$1,514
to $3,217.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,726
to $3,536, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from California to Massachusetts costs around
$2,205 to
$4,568.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to MA
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from California to Massachusetts. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in California when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from CA to MA
If you’re moving to Massachusetts from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Massachusetts
Understanding how costs compare between California and Massachusetts can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
California |
Massachusetts |
| Average rent |
$1,856 |
$1,588 |
| Average home cost |
$771,057 |
$623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$91,905 |
$96,505 |
| Cost of living index |
134 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.4% |
3.9% |
| Average sales tax |
8.68% |
6.25% |
| State income tax |
13.3% |
9.0% |
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Rent in Massachusetts is around 14% less than in California, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
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Here’s some good news for your wallet — home prices in Massachusetts are about 19% lower than in California. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
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The average income is about the same in both California and Massachusetts, so you won’t need to worry about a big change to your budget.
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The cost of living in Massachusetts is about 25% lower than in California. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
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Massachusetts boasts an unemployment rate about 28% lower than California. That means you’ll find a stronger job market and a more robust local economy, a great sign if you’re planning a move.
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Sales tax in Massachusetts is 28% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Massachusetts can really help cut down your living expenses.
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Income taxes in Massachusetts are 32% 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 Massachusetts vs. California
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Massachusetts and California line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Massachusetts |
California |
| Population |
7,001,399 |
39,029,342 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high |
82ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
16ºF |
59ºF |
| Annual rain |
49″ |
22″ |
| Annual snow |
47″ |
7″ |
| Crime index |
13.92 |
28.43 |
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The population of Massachusetts is approximately 82% 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.
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In the most recent presidential race, both California and Massachusetts leaned Democratic.
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In Massachusetts, summer highs are around 82°F, close to 87°F in California.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
-
In the coldest months, Massachusetts sees lows of 16°F compared to 59°F in California.
That colder climate means higher heating costs and tougher winters — but also snowy scenery and seasonal activities.
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Get ready for about 49 inches of rain each year in Massachusetts, which is quite a change from the 22 inches you’re used to in California.
The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
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Each year, Massachusetts sees about 47 inches of snowfall, while California averages just 7 inches.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
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Massachusetts is a safer choice than California, boasting a lower crime index of 13.92 compared to 28.43.
You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Massachusetts
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Massachusetts and California:
| Pros of living in California |
Pros of living in Massachusetts |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Natural beauty |
| Pleasant weather |
Excellent education system |
| Abundant recreational options |
Delicious seafood |
| High quality of life |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Fresh and healthy foods |
Home to boston |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Massachusetts
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 California for Massachusetts:
| Cons of living in California |
Cons of living in Massachusetts |
| High cost of living |
Bad traffic |
| Heavy tax burdens |
Poor driving conditions |
| Natural disasters |
Harsh winter weather |
| Terrible traffic |
High cost of living |
| Strange laws |
Peculiar liquor laws |
Other things to consider for your California to Massachusetts 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.
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State licensing:
Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in
Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Massachusetts, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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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 Massachusetts right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
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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.
Things to do in Massachusetts
While you’re in Massachusetts, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxet
- Whaling Museum
- John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Massachusetts?
Do movers transport your car from California to Massachusetts?
What are the benefits of moving from California to Massachusetts?
An increasing number of people are relocating from California to Massachusetts to enjoy all the great benefits Massachusetts provides, such as natural beauty and excellent education system.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Massachusetts?
Living in Massachusetts usually costs less than in California.
Housing
is much more affordable in Massachusetts,
with average rent about 14% less and home prices 19% lower than in California.
Taxes are also
lower in Massachusetts, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Massachusetts?
Thinking of moving to Massachusetts on your own? You’ll want to earn around $69,365 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $3,900 per month, or around $8,765 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Boston and Worcester tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in California?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
In California, 7 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Military members can find special pricing from 7 companies.
Seniors are eligible for savings with 7 movers.
Students can take advantage of discounts offered by 2 moving companies.
Educators and teachers get access to discounts from 2 movers.
Law enforcement personnel qualify for special rates with 4 companies.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
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When moving from California to Massachusetts, you’ll likely pay between $4,061–$8,653 with professional movers, roughly
$3,953 for a moving container, and about
$2,631
for a rental truck.
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