Best overall value
Local moving companies in California
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
4.9 / 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
Rigo's Moving Company Inc
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3075110
Years in Business: 11
4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023Rigo's Moving Company Inc has been providing top-notch local residential moving services in and around Los Angeles, CA since 2014. With a solid reputation backed by 445 combined Yelp and Google reviews, averaging over 4.3 stars, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby moving companies. Rigo's Moving excels in customer satisfaction and offers a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and even specialized moves for pianos and antiques. They also accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3075110
- State license #: 0191663
Meathead Movers
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 USMeathead Movers, a reputable moving company serving Fresno, CA since 1998, specializes in local residential moving services with a proven track record reflected by their stellar consumer reviews. With 243 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars and 204 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.4 stars, they have earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Meathead Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, accepting both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings make them a top choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 0189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Movers, Inc.
- Princess Packers
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 20
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828Two Men and a Truck, a trusted local moving company in Sacramento, CA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer comprehensive options including packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities like piano and safe moving. Known for their professionalism and transparency, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process easier for clients. Consumer reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.4 on Yelp and 3.8 on Google, but they boast a strong A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 0190058
Alternative Business Names
- Snyir Inc.
- Two Men And A Truck
Grace Moving Company
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2806730
Years in Business: 26
800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA 95351 USGrace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2806730
- State license #: 0189642
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to WA
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Washington 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 WA
If you’re moving to Washington from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Washington
| 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 is about 2% more expensive in Washington than in California.
- Home prices are about 24% lower in Washington than in California.
- The average income is about 2% lower in Washington than in California.
- Cost of living is 14% lower in Washington than in California.
- Washington has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 11%.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Washington than in California.
- Washington has no income tax.
How life is different in Washington vs. California
| 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.
- 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.
- During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 31ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
- Washington has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 28.43.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Washington
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Washington compared 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
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 Washington.
| 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 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 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Washington 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 Washington. 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. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Washington
While you’re in Washington, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Olympic National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- The Space Needle and Seattle Center
- Pike Place Market
- The Museum of Flight
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Lake Chelan
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
- North Cascades National Park
- San Juan Islands
- Leavenworth
- Museum of Glass
- Washington State Capitol Building
- Bellingham
- Puget Sound
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
- Spokane Riverfront Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Washington State Ferries
- Port Angeles
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Washington?
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 Washington?
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 Washington separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Washington?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Washington?
It is generally cheaper to live in Washington than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Washington, with average rent about 2% less and home prices 23.6% lower than in California. Washington has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Washington?
You should make approximately $69,323 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Washington. The cost of living in Washington is approximately $3,148 per month for an individual and $8,036 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Washington you live For example, larger cities like Seattle and Spokane will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
