($1,455) Cost of Moving From California to Washington
Quick answer: When planning a move from California to Washington, you can expect to pay anywhere from $861 to $7,180. Most relocations will take about two–seven 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 Washington to California guide.
Our track record
The best California to Washington full-service movers
Thinking about moving from California to Washington? 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 Washington 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
With so many options, finding a dependable local moving company isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local movers in California, including movers that are known for transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and standout services to make your move smoother.
- 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
Best California Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Republic Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3369820
Years in Business: 31
8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154Republic 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.
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
Air 1 Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 22
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311Air 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
All Star Movers & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2971368
Years in Business: 10
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568All 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2971368
- State license #: 0191302
The best California to Washington moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Washington.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best California to Washington moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from California to Washington? 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:
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The best California to Washington labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They'll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from California to Washington.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WA move
How much does it cost to move from California to Washington?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Washington. Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,455 - $5,616 | $1,065 - $2,567 | $813 - $1,494 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,218 - $7,180 | $1,746 - $3,504 | $861 - $1,812 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,119 - $9,820 | $2,476 - $4,791 | $1,069 - $2,225 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 954 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 Washington
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Washington will cost between $1,455 and $5,616. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to WA will range from $3,218 to $7,180, and a large move from California to Washington will cost from $5,119 to $9,820.
Cost of moving containers from California to Washington
If you're moving from California to Washington, expect to pay between $1,065 and $2,567 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,746 up to $3,504. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,476 and $4,791. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Washington
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 $813 to $1,494. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $861 to $1,812, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Washington costs around $1,069 to $2,225.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to WA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from California to Washington. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
- Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
- Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.
What to know before moving from CA to WA
If you’re moving from California to Washington, it’s a good idea to see how your new state compares to your old one.
Cost of living: California vs. Washington
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between California and Washington. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
| California | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $90,325 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 6.5% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent in Washington is approximately 2% higher than in California, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
- Good news for your budget—home prices in Washington are around 24% lower than in California. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
- Make sure to review your budget before you move. The average incomes in Washington are about 2% lower than in California.
- Moving to Washington is about 14% cheaper than living in California. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
- With an unemployment rate roughly 11% lower than California, Washington offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
- Sales tax in Washington is 25% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Washington can really help lower your monthly costs.
- A major benefit of moving to Washington is the lack of state income tax. You get to hang on to more of your money, whether you’re working, freelancing, or enjoying retirement.
How life is different in Washington 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 Washington stacks up against California across important lifestyle factors:
| Washington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 18" | 7" |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 28.43 |
- The population of Washington is approximately 80% 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, Washington voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF. Moving to a cooler summer climate can bring relief from extreme heat, lower energy bills, and make it more comfortable outdoors, an appealing choice for those who value comfort and outdoor accessibility.
- During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches about 31ºF and California only gets down to 59ºF. Moving to Washington 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 about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus only 22 inches of rainfall in California. More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
- In Washington, it snows about 18 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.
- Washington has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 28.43. A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Washington
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Washington to California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Beautiful landscapes |
| Pleasant weather | Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant recreational options | High quality of life |
| High quality of life | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Washington
Moving from California to Washington comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Constant rain |
| Heavy tax burdens | Bad traffic |
| Natural disasters | High cost of living |
| Terrible traffic | High crime rate |
| Strange laws | Natural disasters |
Other things to consider for your California to Washington move
- Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- 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 require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Washington moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Washington, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- 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 Washington right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Washington
Get ready to discover Washington. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Washington
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The Museum of Flight
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports Teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
