($1,517) Cost of Moving From Missouri to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Missouri to California ranges from $1,408 to $8,523 and takes five–16 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 Missouri guide.

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The best Missouri to California full-service movers

Moving from Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri

  1. Moving Proz: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Arch Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Cord Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars

Moving Proz

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2275038

Years in Business: 10

200 W 5th Street #607, Kansas City, MO 64196

Moving Proz, established in 2014, specializes in providing top-tier local residential moving services in and around Kansas, MO. Compared to other nearby moving companies, they stand out with an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google from over 2,200 reviews, though their Yelp average of 3.3 stars suggests some variability in customer experiences. Moving Proz offers a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, making them a versatile choice for your moving needs. Their B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliability in the industry.

Get a Quote (816) 945-6333

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2275038
  • State license #: 893937

Alternative Business Names

  • Moving Proz
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Arch Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2969512

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 21

1316 S 2nd St,, St. Louis, MO 63104

Arch Moving has been a trusted name for local residential moving services in and around St. Louis, MO since 2003. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Arch Moving boasts a solid reputation with an impressive 4.8-star average rating from over 1,000 Google reviews, a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, and offers comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor only options. Consumers appreciate the company's competitive pricing at $150 per hour and the convenience of no required deposit. Ideal for those needing reliable, high-quality local moving expertise, Arch Moving stands out for its customer satisfaction and thorough service offerings.

Get a Quote (314) 964-5557

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

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College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2378173

Years in Business: 13

1440 N Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in St. Louis, MO since 2012. With a stellar reputation for reliability, they also offer office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, making them a versatile choice for any local move. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, adding to their customer convenience. Boasting an A- rating from the BBB, an impressive 4.8 average rating from 2637 Google reviews, and solid Yelp feedback, College Hunks stands out as a dependable option for those seeking top-tier moving services in the St. Louis area.

Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • HMB Hunks, LLC
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving
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Cord Moving and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 181102

Years in Business: 103

4101 Rider Trail N,, Earth city, MO 63045

Cord Moving and Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Earth City, MO, since 1921. With nearly a century of experience, they stand out among nearby moving companies for their longevity and comprehensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and even piano moving. Their consumer reviews are impressive, boasting an average rating of 4.6 on Google from 348 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking a reliable and experienced mover without the need for out-of-state services, Cord Moving and Storage is a strong contender.

Get a Quote (866) 742-1558

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • North American Moving Services
  • Cord Moving & Storage Company Inc.
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 29

10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128

Two Men and a Truck has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in the St. Louis, MO area since 1995. Compared to other local movers, they stand out with their extensive experience and range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only assistance. They are also equipped to move specialty items like pianos and safes and accept credit cards without requiring a deposit. Consumer reviews tell a compelling story; while their Yelp profile reflects mixed experiences with an average rating of 2.6, their Google My Business profile boasts a stellar 4.7 average from over 1400 reviews, and they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Get a Quote (314) 270-5758

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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The best Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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 MO to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 28 Missouri 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 Missouri to California?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,517 - $5,717 $1,405 - $3,240 $1,248 - $2,428
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,903 - $8,523 $2,505 - $4,936 $1,408 - $3,127
4+ bedrooms $6,904 - $12,609 $3,261 - $6,638 $1,827 - $3,499

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,844 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 Missouri to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Missouri to California will cost between $1,517 and $5,717. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MO to CA will range from $3,903 to $8,523, and a large move from Missouri to California will cost from $6,904 to $12,609.

Cost of moving containers from Missouri to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Missouri to California will cost you $1,405 to $3,240 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,505 to $4,936. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,261 to $6,638. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Missouri 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 $1,248 to $2,428. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,408 to $3,127, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Missouri to California costs from $1,827 to $3,499.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MO to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Missouri moving costs. The cost to move from Missouri 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 Missouri 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 MO to CA

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

Cost of living: Missouri vs. California

Missouri California
Average rent cost $957 $1,856
Average home cost $248,327 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $65,920 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 88 134
Unemployment rate 3.8% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 4.03% 8.68%
State Income Tax 4.8% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 94% more expensive in California than in Missouri.
  • Home prices are about 211% higher in California than in Missouri.
  • The average income is about 39% higher in California than in Missouri.
  • Cost of living is 52% lower in California than in Missouri.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Missouri by about 42%.
  • Sales taxes are 115% higher in California than in Missouri.
  • Income taxes are 177% higher in California than in Missouri.

How life is different in California vs. Missouri

California Missouri
Population 39,029,342 6,196,156
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Republican 59-41
Summer high 87ºF 88ºF
Winter low 59ºF 20ºF
Annual rain 22" 43"
Annual snow 7" 13"
Crime index 28.43 28.28
  • The population of California is approximately 530% greater than the population of Missouri.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Missouri voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Missouri, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Missouri gets down to 20ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 43 inches of rainfall in Missouri.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 13 inches of snow in Missouri.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Missouri with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 28.28.

Comparing the pros of Missouri 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 Missouri.

Pros of living in Missouri Pros of living in California
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Pleasant weather
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant recreational options
Delicious barbecue High quality of life
Beautiful outdoors Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Missouri 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 Missouri for California.

Cons of living in Missouri Cons of living in California
Severe weather High cost of living
High crime rate Heavy tax burdens
Low quality of life Natural disasters
Low wages Terrible traffic
Poor healthcare Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Missouri 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 Missouri to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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

Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Missouri than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Missouri, with average rent about 48% less and home prices 68% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Missouri, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% 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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