Moving from California to Washington: Movers and Cost
Quick Answer: The average cost to move from California to Washington ranges from $2,182 to $9,390. Moving costs will vary based on the amount of stuff being moved, the time of year, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Moving out of state can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your move to Washington. But just in case you’re short on time, here are a few quick resources to get immediate answers.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Best California to Washington movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Washington.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Washington car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Okay, let’s talk about moving costs.
How much does it cost to move from California to Washington?
The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,567 - $6,608 | $2,004 - $3,432 | $2,014 - $2,651 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,677 - $9,390 | $3,525 - $5,364 | $2,182 - $3,155 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,800 - $14,550 | $4,874 - $6,910 | $2,784 - $3,876 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,711 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from California to Washington will depend on:
- Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
- Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
Who Are The Best California to Washington Movers?
Hiring a moving company is a big deal.
We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.
If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Safeway Moving Systems
Best Overall Value
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American Van Lines
Best industry reputation
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Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
Best for complex moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How to ship a car from California to Washington
Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car safely arrives in Washington.
Here's our list of the best California to Washington car shipping companies.
| Company | Our Take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | Best Overall Value |
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| Ship A Car Direct | Best Insurance Coverage |
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| Easy Auto Ship | best for quick pick up |
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Is moving from California to Washington a good idea?
Cost of Living: California vs Washington
| California | Washington | % difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,503 | $1,258 | -16% |
| Average home cost | $758,360 | $582,732 | -23.2% |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,672 | $73,775 | -6.2% |
| Cost of Living Index | 151 | 110 | -41.0% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.5% | -22.41% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 9.23% | +6.34% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 0.0% | -100.00% |
How is life different in Washington from California?
| Washington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,738,692 | 39,237,836 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 58-39 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer High | 79ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter Low | 29ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual Rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual Snow | 18" | 7" |
| Crime Index | 30.22 | 25.7 |
Considerations for moving to Washington
- 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: In Washington, local and intrastate movers are regulated by the state’s Utilities and Transportation Commission. Make sure to confirm if the moving company you're dealing has a USDOT number to make sure you're doing legal and safe business with the movers you hire. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Washington. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Where to live in Washington
Now that you've decided to make the move to "The Evergreen State," these are the best cities in Washington to move to.
Most popular cities to move to in Washington:
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