Local moving companies in St. Louis
Out of 13 St. Louis movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to California.
- Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Simple Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2969512
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 714664
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1653733
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1653733
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 987335
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 987335
Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in St. Louis, MO
Quick breakdown of St. Louis movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from St. Louis, MO to California
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from St. Louis to California, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,196 – $4,612 | $1,106 – $2,933 | $1,152 – $2,049 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,154 – $6,813 | $2,092 – $4,298 | $1,151 – $2,670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,184 – $10,743 | $2,836 – $5,738 | $1,482 – $3,175 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,950-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to California using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from St. Louis to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from St. Louis to California will cost between $1,196 and $4,612. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,154 to $6,813, and a large move will cost from $6,184 to $10,743.
Cost of moving containers from St. Louis to California
If you’re moving from St. Louis to California, expect to pay between $1,106 and $2,933 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,092 up to $4,298. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,836 and $5,738. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from St. Louis.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Louis to California
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from St. Louis to California, expect to spend between $1,152 and $2,049. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,151 and $2,670. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,482 up to $3,175 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Louis to CA
When calculating the price of St. Louis movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in St. Louis, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from St. Louis to CA
Transitioning from St. Louis to California offers fresh opportunities, but also a rise in expenses. Given that California’s living costs are generally steeper than in St. Louis, creating a solid budget will help ease the adjustment.
Find out how St. Louis contrasts with California so you can head into your move with confidence:
Compare cost of living: St. Louis vs. California
| St. Louis, MO | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $171,463 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 13.3% |
California sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- With rent about 48% higher in California than St. Louis, prepare for steeper monthly costs.
- Homes in California cost about 350% more than in St. Louis, so expect a higher mortgage payment.
- Expect incomes in California to be about 39% higher than in St. Louis, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- Moving to California means the cost of living runs about 60% higher than in St. Louis, so you’ll want a clear financial plan.
- In California, the unemployment rate is about 14% below St. Louis’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Income taxes run about 177% higher in California than in Missouri, which means less spending money.
How life is different in St. Louis, MO from California
When relocating from St. Louis to California, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in California stacks up against life in the St. Louis.
| St. Louis, MO | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 23ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 42″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 16″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 28.43 |
California Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, California leaned Democratic, while St. Louis supported Republican.
- Comparable summer highs of about 87ºF in California match those of 89ºF in St. Louis. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in California are milder, around 59ºF, compared to the colder 23ºF in St. Louis. This means easier winters, fewer icy days, and potentially lower heating bills.
- You’ll enjoy about 22 inches of annual rain in California, which is less than the 42 inches you’re used to in St. Louis. That means brighter skies, extra outdoor time, and fewer rainy-day interruptions.
- In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 16 inches you’d deal with in St. Louis. So, if you’re moving to California, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- California has a lower crime rate than St. Louis, with indexes at 28.43 vs 69.65. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of St. Louis, MO versus California:
Moving to a new place brings exciting possibilities. Here’s what makes living in St. Louis special compared to California.
| Pros of living in St. Louis, MO | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Rich culture | Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Pleasant weather |
| Quality public transportation | Abundant recreational options |
| Low cost of living | High quality of life |
| Friendly people | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of St. Louis, MO versus California:
Making the move from St. Louis to California isn’t always easy, and there are important factors to consider.
| Cons of living in St. Louis, MO | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Poor education | High cost of living |
| High crime rate | Heavy tax burdens |
| Urban sprawl | Natural disasters |
| Lack of economic opportunity | Terrible traffic |
| Pervasive poverty | Strange laws |
Other considerations when moving to California
If you’re moving from St. Louis to California, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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 your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a California moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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 forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in California
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—California is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood 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)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
FAQ
How long does a move from St. Louis to California take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from St. Louis, MO to California? Typically, the process takes about five to 16 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many St. Louis movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are eight movers in St. Louis that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a St. Louis moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from St. Louis to California?
Looking to move your car from St. Louis to California? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Missouri to California.
Why are people moving from St. Louis to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from St. Louis because of the poor education and high crime rate.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to California.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in St. Louis?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in St. Louis.
Do movers in St. Louis, MO, accept cash?
Yes, five movers in St. Louis accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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