($1,450) Cost of Moving From Maryland to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Maryland to California ranges from $1,966 to $8,871 and takes seven–21 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Maryland guide.

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The best Maryland to California full-service movers

Moving from Maryland to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Maryland for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Maryland

  1. Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. 495 Movers, Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Helix Transfer and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Von Paris Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3306591

Pricing: $125/hr

Years in Business: 9

20 Southlawn CT, STE A, Rockville, MD 20850

Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in Gaithersburg, MD, since 2016. Renowned for their exceptional customer service, they boast an average 4.5-star rating on Yelp and 4.8 stars on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, and can handle delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. With a competitive rate of $125 per hour for local moves, Zip Moving And Storage stands out among nearby competitors for their reliability and wide-ranging expertise.

Get a Quote (855) 947-6543

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3306591
  • State license #: 2586700
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495 Movers, Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1893270

Years in Business: 15

640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD 20850

495 Movers, Inc, based in Rockville, MD, has been offering reliable local residential moving services since 2010. Renowned for their professionalism and efficiency, they outrank many nearby competitors with outstanding consumer feedback, boasting a 4.1-star average on Yelp and an impressive 4.7 on Google, alongside an A+ BBB rating. Apart from local moves, they also provide office moving, packing and unpacking services, and are capable of handling specialty items like pianos and antiques. Accepting various payment methods and requiring no deposit, they further ensure peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking.

Get a Quote (855) 243-1717

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 1893270
  • State license #: 1893270
  • DOD certified
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Helix Transfer and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2358272

Years in Business: 12

8425 Helgerman Ct, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Helix Transfer and Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Gaithersburg, MD since 2013. With glowing consumer reviews—averaging 4.4 stars on Yelp and 4.9 stars on Google—this company stands out for its reliability and professionalism. Helix offers comprehensive services, including local and long-distance moves, packing and unpacking services, and even specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, Helix Transfer and Storage surpasses many nearby moving companies in customer satisfaction and service breadth.

Get a Quote (301) 637-3003

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2358272
  • State license #: 2358272

Alternative Business Names

  • Helix Transfer and Storage Northern Virginia
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Olympia Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 32

4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Olympia Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Hyattsville, MD, since 1994. With a solid reputation backed by 149 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars, 326 Google reviews averaging 4.6 stars, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby competitors. In addition to local moves, they offer packing and unpacking services, storage options, and the capability to move delicate items like pianos and antiques. Olympia Moving & Storage accepts credit cards and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind throughout the moving process.

Get a Quote (703) 566-4391

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
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 70719
  • State license #: 70719
  • DOD certified
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Von Paris Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 070851

Years in Business: 133

8691 Larkin Road, Savage, MD 20763

Von Paris Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Savage, MD since 1893. While their Yelp reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 2.5, their Google My Business profile boasts a strong 4.7-star average from 265 reviews, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other nearby moving companies, Von Paris stands out with its long history and a wide array of services, including office moving, packing, and specialized moving services for pianos and antiques. Additionally, they offer convenient payment options and do not require a deposit, making them a flexible choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (410) 826-4824

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
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Von Paris Moving & Storage, Inc.
  • Von Paris Moving & Storage
  • B Von Paris Moving & Storage
  • Commercial Relocation Systems
  • CRS

Local Associations

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The best Maryland to California 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 Maryland and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Maryland to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Maryland to California, 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:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Maryland to California 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 Maryland to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 44 Maryland movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Maryland to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Maryland to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,450 - $5,990 $1,713 - $4,353 $1,797 - $3,702
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,508 - $8,871 $3,069 - $6,345 $1,966 - $4,320
4+ bedrooms $7,977 - $13,885 $4,191 - $9,089 $2,613 - $5,356

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,783 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 Maryland to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Maryland to California will cost between $1,450 and $5,990. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MD to CA will range from $4,508 to $8,871, and a large move from Maryland to California will cost from $7,977 to $13,885.

Cost of moving containers from Maryland to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Maryland to California will cost you $1,713 to $4,353 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,069 to $6,345. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,191 to $9,089. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maryland.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to Californiatoggle

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 $1,797 to $3,702. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,966 to $4,320, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Maryland to California costs from $2,613 to $5,356.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MD to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Maryland moving costs. The cost to move from Maryland to California 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 Maryland 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 MD to CA

If you’re moving to California from Maryland, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Maryland vs. California

Maryland California
Average rent cost $1,598 $1,856
Average home cost $418,438 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $98,461 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 100 134
Unemployment rate 3.0% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 8.68%
State Income Tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 16% more expensive in California than in Maryland.
  • Home prices are about 84% higher in California than in Maryland.
  • The average income is about 7% lower in California than in Maryland.
  • Cost of living is 34% lower in California than in Maryland.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Maryland by about 80%.
  • Sales taxes are 45% higher in California than in Maryland.
  • Income taxes are 131% higher in California than in Maryland.

How life is different in California vs. Maryland

California Maryland
Population 39,029,342 6,180,253
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democratic 63-34.4
Summer high 87ºF 87ºF
Winter low 59ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 22" 44"
Annual snow 7" 19"
Crime index 28.43 20.34
  • The population of California is approximately 532% greater than the population of Maryland.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Maryland voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Maryland, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Maryland gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 44 inches of rainfall in Maryland.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 19 inches of snow in Maryland.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Maryland with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 20.34.

Comparing the pros of Maryland vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Maryland.

Pros of living in Maryland Pros of living in California
Delicious food Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Pleasant weather
Diverse outdoor activities Abundant recreational options
Beautiful coastline High quality of life
Rich history Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Maryland vs. California

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 Maryland for California.

Cons of living in Maryland Cons of living in California
High cost of living High cost of living
Bad traffic Heavy tax burdens
High crime Natural disasters
High homelessness Terrible traffic
Peculiar alcohol laws Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Maryland to California movetoggle

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California 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 California. 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 – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Maryland to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Maryland 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 Maryland to California?toggle

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 Maryland to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Maryland to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Maryland to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Maryland than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Maryland, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 46% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Maryland, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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