Top Winston-Salem, NC to Ontario, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Ontario to Winston-Salem guide.

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. American Moving & Hauling, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Todd’s Easy Moves: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Excel Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from North Carolina to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,411 and $5,503. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,075 to $8,263 for the trip from NC to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $7,657 and $12,910.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to California

If you're relocating from North Carolina to California, you'll typically spend between $1,530 and $3,512 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,538 up to $5,320. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,633 and $7,441. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina 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, expect to spend between $1,549 and $2,936. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,577 and $3,566. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,013 up to $4,372 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Ontario, since prices are typically 102% higher than in Winston-Salem.
• The home prices in Ontario are 168.5% higher than in Winston-Salem, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Ontario, where incomes are, on average, 15.2% higher than in Winston-Salem. Major employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Ontario, since the cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 2.2% higher than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Ontario, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 10.0% higher than in Winston-Salem.
• The unemployment rate in Ontario is 32.69% higher than in Winston-Salem.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Ontario, since its sales taxes are 25.00% higher than what you are paying in Winston-Salem.
• State income taxes in Ontario are 195.56% higher than in Winston-Salem.

• Ontario might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 30% less than Winston-Salem.
• Ontario offers better access to buses and trains than Winston-Salem, based on public transportation ratings. Ontario has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Winston-Salem. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Ontario means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Winston-Salem. Ontario is considered more walkable than Winston-Salem, with a score of 48 out of 100 versus 22 out of 100 in Winston-Salem. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Ontario is considered more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Ontario has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, while Winston-Salem is rated as 29 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Ontario is higher than in Winston-Salem, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.25 in Ontario, it is 32.67 in Winston-Salem. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Ontario. With a crime index of 49.75, Ontario ranks lower in overall safety than Winston-Salem, whose index is 67.33. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Ontario and Winston-Salem is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Ontario. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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 our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown Ontario
• Piemonte
• Ontario Ranch
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Upland

Best neighborhoods for families

• Creekside
• Parkview
• Ontario Ranch
• College Park
• Downtown Ontario

Things to do in Ontario

Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Ontario has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Ontario, such as the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Ontario Reign (Hockey) and Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026) game.