Moving From Missouri to California (Movers From $1,435)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to move from Missouri to California ranges from $1,398 to $8,223 and takes 5-16 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.
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Hiring a full-service Missouri moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental 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 Missouri guide.
The best Missouri to California movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from Missouri 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 Missouri to California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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 Missouri to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving 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 | $1,435 - $5,517 | $1,253 - $3,126 | $1,180 - $2,391 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,876 - $8,223 | $2,256 - $4,435 | $1,398 - $2,731 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,935 - $11,568 | $3,115 - $6,340 | $1,644 - $3,656 |
*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 the final cost of your move.
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.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Missouri to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Missouri to California will cost between $1,435 to $5,517. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MO to CA will range from $3,876 to $8,223, and a large move from Missouri to California will cost from $6,935 to $11,568.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Missouri to California?
Moving containers from Missouri to California will cost you $1,253 to $3,126 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,256 to $4,435. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,115 to $6,340. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Missouri.
How much is a moving truck from Missouri to California?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,180 to $2,391. A larger move will cost $1,398 to $2,731, and a 4+ bedroom move from Missouri to California costs from $1,644 to $3,656.
Is moving from Missouri to California a good idea?
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 | $843 | $1,586 |
| Average home cost | $235,844 | $746,055 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,920 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 88% more expensive in California than in Missouri.
- Home prices are about 216.3% higher in California than in Missouri.
- The average income is about 39.4% higher in California than in Missouri.
- Cost of living is 13.6% lower in California than in Missouri.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Missouri by about 54.8%.
- Sales taxes are 5.21% higher in California than in Missouri.
- Income taxes are 168.69% higher in California than in Missouri.
How is life different in California from Missouri?
| California | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 6,177,957 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Republican 57-41 |
| Summer High | 87ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter Low | 59ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual Rain | 22" | 43" |
| Annual Snow | 7" | 13" |
| Crime Index | 27.88 | 29.13 |
- The population of California is approximately 532% 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 vs 43 inches of rainfall in Missouri.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 13 inches of snow in Missouri.
- California has a lower crime rate than Missouri with a crime index of 29.13 vs 27.88.
Comparing the pros of Missouri vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Missouri vs California side-by-side.
| 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:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the 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 |
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: 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 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 Missouri movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
|
Get A Quote |
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10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO, 63128 (314) 270-5758 |
| McGuire Moving and Storage | Get A Quote |
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8645 South Broadway,, St. Louis, MO, 63111 (314) 241-0600 |
| Moving Proz | Get A Quote |
|
200 W 5th Street #607, Kansas, MO, 64196 (816) 945-6333 |
Visit our Best Movers in Missouri page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Things to do in California
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 about moving from Missouri to California
What is the cheapest way to move from Missouri to California?
The cheapest way to move from Missouri to California is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from Missouri to California?
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.
