Best Movers from California to New York (2025 Cost Data)
Quick answer: When planning a move from California to New York, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,214 to $10,809. Most relocations will take about seven–21 days. Your actual price can change depending on your home size, timing, and whether you go with a professional moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from New York to California guide.
Our track record
The best California to New York full-service movers
Thinking about moving from California to New York? With so many movers out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the legwork, digging into reviews, comparing pricing, and analyzing each mover’s services, to bring you the best interstate moving companies.
Kick off your move from California to New York with these highly rated long-distance moving pros in California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in California, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Poor packing quality
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- 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
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Inaccurate estimates
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
The best California to New York moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in California and drops it off at your new home in New York.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best California to New York moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to New York, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best California to New York labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to New York:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NY move
How much does it cost to move from California to New York?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to New York, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,752 - $7,173 | $1,742 - $4,436 | $1,906 - $3,736 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,872 - $10,809 | $3,184 - $6,534 | $2,214 - $4,815 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,551 - $15,792 | $4,443 - $8,741 | $2,610 - $5,686 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,914 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 New York
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to New York, you can expect to spend between $1,752 and $7,173. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,872 to $10,809 on the same route (CA to NY). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to New York typically runs between $9,551 and $15,792.
Cost of moving containers from California to New York
If you’re relocating from California to New York, you’ll typically spend between $1,742 and $4,436 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $3,184 up to $6,534. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,443 and $8,741. 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 New York
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 $1,906 to $3,736. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $2,214 to $4,815, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to New York costs around $2,610 to $5,686.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to NY
Several factors influence the cost of moving from California to New York. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from CA to NY
If you’re making the move from California to New York, it’s worth checking out how life in your new state stacks up.
Cost of living: California vs. New York
Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in California and New York. 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 | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,507 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $482,742 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $81,386 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 8.52% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Rent in New York is about 19% cheaper than in California, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
- Home prices in New York are about 37% lower than in California, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
- Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in New York are about 11% lower than in California.
- Living in New York costs about 25% less than in California. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
- New York boasts an unemployment rate about 19% 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.
- Sales tax in New York is 2% lower than in California. If you have a big family or tend to spend more, this lower rate in New York can make a noticeable difference in your overall living costs.
- Income taxes are 18% lower in New York compared to California. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in New York vs. California
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in New York versus California across some essential lifestyle factors:
| New York | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,571,216 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-40 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 62" | 7" |
| Crime index | 21.51 | 28.43 |
- The population of New York is about 50% smaller than that of California. Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
- In the most recent presidential race, both California and New York leaned Democratic.
- Summers in New York average 81ºF, while California typically sees highs of 87ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in New York dip to around 16ºF, while California only falls to about 59ºF. Relocating to New York means you’ll likely face colder winters, which can bring higher heating bills, change up your routine, and bring on more extreme weather, but you’ll also get to enjoy the unique beauty and experiences that come with the season.
- Expect about 44 inches of rain each year in New York, a noticeable difference from the 22 inches you’re used to in California. With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
- Each year, New York sees about 62 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, maintenance, and warm gear.
- New York boasts a lower crime rate than California, with a crime index of 21.51 compared to 28.43. This makes for safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community. While crime rate isn’t everything, knowing you're moving somewhere safe is definitely reassuring.
Comparing the pros of California vs. New York
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in New York versus California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in New York |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Natural beauty |
| Pleasant weather | Arts |
| Abundant recreational options | Ample economic opportunity |
| High quality of life | Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Distinct seasons |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. New York
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 New York.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in New York |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High tax burden |
| Heavy tax burdens | Rough winter weather |
| Natural disasters | High cost of living |
| Terrible traffic | Poor quality healthcare |
| Strange laws | Populous |
Other things to consider for your California to New York move
- Weather: The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City.
- 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a New York moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in New York, 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 New York 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 Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 New York
While you’re in New York, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in New York
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- New York State Museum
- Erie Canal Museum
Parks in New York
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Central Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
Sports Teams in New York
- Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York
- Cornell University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
