Local moving companies in California
When relocating from California to Boston, MA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Boston, MA.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Boston, MA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Boston, MA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,389 – $5,738 | $1,430 – $3,463 | $1,658 – $3,001 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $4,186 – $7,988 | $2,434 – $5,261 | $1,812 – $3,867 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,188 – $12,248 | $3,363 – $6,975 | $2,270 – $4,614 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 3,106-mile move from California to Boston, MA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Boston, MA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Boston, MA, you can expect to spend between $1,389 and $5,738. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,186 to $7,988 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $8,188 and $12,248.
Cost of moving containers from California to Boston, MA
When moving from California to Boston, MA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,430 and $3,463. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,434 to $5,261. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,363 up to $6,975. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Boston, MA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from California to Boston, MA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,658 and $3,001. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,812 and $3,867. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,270 and $4,614.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from California to Boston, MA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how California movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Boston, MA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Boston, MA is really like compared to California. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: California vs. Boston, MA
| California | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $3,400 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $89,212 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 151 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.2% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 9.0% |
Boston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Boston is roughly 83% higher than in California. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices are about the same in Boston and California, so the cost of buying a home should be in the same ballpark, but local market conditions may still affect your options.
- Since income levels in Boston are similar to those in California, your bank account won’t take much of a hit when you move.
- With unemployment 15% higher in Boston than California, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- You’ll pay roughly 32% less in state income taxes in Massachusetts compared to California, so you keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Boston from California
| Boston | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 48″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Boston voted Republican, while California was Democratic.
- Summer in Boston usually hits around 82ºF, pretty similar to the 87ºF you’re used to in California. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Boston gets down to 19ºF while California only dips to 59ºF. Relocating to Boston means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you’ll get to enjoy the area’s one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- Expect about 47 inches of rain each year in Boston—compared to just 22 inches in California. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- Every year, Boston gets around 48 inches of snow, much more than the 7 inches that California typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
- Boston has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 39.88 vs 28.43. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Boston
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Boston has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Boston
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
- Museum of Science
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Parks in Boston
- Boston Public Garden
- Boston Common
- Arnold Arboretum
- Charles River Esplanade
- Rose Kennedy Greenway
Sports teams in Boston
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Boston
- Bay State College
- Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
- Berklee College of Music
- Boston Architectural College
- Boston University
Other considerations when moving to Boston, MA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Massachusetts, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Massachusetts without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Boston take?
The time frame for a move from California to Boston, MA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in California, the longer it’ll take to reach Boston. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from California to Boston can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Boston?
If you’re gearing up for a 3,106-mile move from California to Boston, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Boston, MA?
Summer in Boston can reach highs of 82°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 19°F. That’s why most people moving from California to Boston opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
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