$1,305 Movers From Washington DC, MD to California

Quick answer: The cost to move from Washington DC, MD to California averages from $1,802 to $8,142 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Washington DC moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Washington DC, MD guide.

Moving from Washington DC, MD to California resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to California. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 2,791 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Washington DC to California moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Washington DC to California is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to California.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to California?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Washington DC to California:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,305 - $5,673 $1,478 - $3,574 $1,552 - $3,195
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,136 - $8,142 $2,519 - $5,424 $1,802 - $3,655
4+ bedrooms $7,857 - $12,866 $3,582 - $7,176 $2,211 - $4,713
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,791 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 Washington DC, MD to California will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Washington DC, MD to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to California will cost between $1,305 to $5,673. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Washington DC to CA will range from $4,136 to $8,142, and a large move from Washington DC to California will cost from $7,857 to $12,866.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Washington DC, MD to California?

Moving pods from Washington DC to California will cost you $1,478 to $3,574. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,519 to $5,424. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,582 to $7,176. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Washington DC to California.

How much is a moving truck from Washington DC, MD to California?

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 $1,552 to $3,195. A larger move will cost $1,802 to $3,655, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Washington DC to California costs from $2,211 to $4,713.

Is moving from Washington DC, MD to California a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs California

Washington DC, MD California
Average rent cost $2,450 $1,586
Average home cost $609,175 $746,055
Average income (per capita) $635,900 $91,905
Unemployment rate 7.0% 4.8%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 61% less expensive in California than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices are about 34.0% higher in California than in Washington DC.
  • The average income is about 552.5% lower in California than in Washington DC.
  • California has a lower unemployment rate than Washington DC by about 314.3%.
  • Income taxes are 131.30% higher in California than in Washington DC.

How is life different in Washington DC, MD from California?

Washington DC, MD California
Population 689,545 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 92-5 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 89ºF 87ºF
Winter low 27ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 43" 22"
Annual snow 14" 7"
Crime index 46.45 27.88
  • The population of California is approximately 5,560% greater than the population of Washington DC.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Washington DC voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Washington DC, it’s 89ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Washington DC gets down to 27ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 43 inches of rainfall in Washington DC.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 14 inches of snow in Washington DC.
  • California has a lower crime rate than Washington DC with a crime index of 46.45 vs 27.88.

Considerations for moving to California

  • 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: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Looking for local Washington DC movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact

Visit our best movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in California?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in California

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • Mission San Luis Rey
  • Tallac Historic Site
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Parks in California

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Dinosaur Caves Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Serra Cross Park
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Palisades Park
  • Irvine Regional Park

Sports Teams in California

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Universities in California

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of California, Riverside
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University, Northridge

Moving from Washington DC to California FAQs

Why are people moving from Washington DC to California?

Many people are moving to California because of ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Washington DC?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Washington DC.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California