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Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to NV
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Nevada 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 NV
If you’re moving to Nevada from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Nevada
| California | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,382 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $442,185 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $71,646 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 8.23% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 26% less expensive in Nevada than in California.
- Home prices are about 43% lower in Nevada than in California.
- The average income is about 22% lower in Nevada than in California.
- Cost of living is 25% lower in Nevada than in California.
- Nevada has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 6%.
- Sales taxes are 5% lower in Nevada than in California.
- Nevada has no income tax.
How life is different in Nevada vs. California
| Nevada | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,194,176 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 50.6-47.5 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 8" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 7" |
| Crime index | 28.34 | 28.43 |
- The population of Nevada is approximately 92% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Nevada voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Nevada is 96ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Nevada reaches the temperature of 27ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 8 inches of annual rainfall in Nevada versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Nevada, it snows about 22 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
- Nevada has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 28.34 vs. 28.43.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Nevada
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Nevada compared to California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Nevada |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Pleasant weather | Great climate |
| Abundant recreational options | Entertainment |
| High quality of life | Clean air |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Individualistic culture |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Nevada
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 Nevada.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Nevada |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Extreme heat |
| Heavy tax burdens | High cost of living |
| Natural disasters | Poor education |
| Terrible traffic | High crime rate |
| Strange laws | Sparsely populated |
Other things to consider for your California to Nevada move
- Weather: Nevada is the driest state in the United States.[34] It is made up of mostly desert and semi-arid climate regions, and, with the exception of the Las Vegas Valley. While winters in northern Nevada are long and fairly cold, the winter season in the southern part of the state tends to be of short duration and mild. Most parts of Nevada receive scarce precipitation during the year. The most rain that falls in the state falls on the east and northeast slopes of the Sierra.
- 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: Movers that provide relocation services within the Silver State are subject to rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). The NTA’s aims include fostering economic growth and promoting efficient, safe, and reliable moving services around the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Nevada moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Nevada 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 Nevada. 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, the cost-free choice provided by movers, albeit with minimal coverage. Movers take responsibility for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover misplaced or damaged a valuable item like a 30-pound sculpture, you would only receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, explore alternative options with your selected moving company or consider consulting a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Nevada
While you’re in Nevada, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Las Vegas Strip
- National Automobile Museum
- Las Vegas Bellagio Fountains
- Fremont Street Experience
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon Tours
- Lake Tahoe
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Great Basin National Park
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Nevada?
Hiring a full-service California 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 California to Nevada?
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 California to Nevada separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Nevada?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Nevada are the amazing upsides of living in Nevada such as bountiful recreational opportunities and great climate.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Nevada?
It is generally cheaper to live in Nevada than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Nevada, with average rent about 26% less and home prices 42.7% lower than in California. Nevada has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Nevada?
You should make approximately $72,984 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Nevada. The cost of living in Nevada is approximately $2,701 per month for an individual and $6,291 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Nevada you live For example, larger cities like Las Vegas and Henderson will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
