($1,893) Cost of Moving From New Hampshire to California
Quick answer: The average cost to move from New Hampshire to California ranges from $2,217 to $12,168 and takes seven–21 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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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to New Hampshire guide.
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The best New Hampshire to California full-service movers
Moving from New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire for your California relocation:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in New Hampshire
- First-Rate Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Ray the Mover: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bridges Bros. Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Trend Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- William C. Huff Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
First-Rate Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 3141590
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 9
10 Harris Rd, Unit A, Windham, NH 03087First-Rate Moving & Storage has been a trusted local residential moving company in and around Windham, NH, since 2016. They stand out in the crowded moving landscape with exceptional customer feedback, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and an impressive 4.9 on Google. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, they offer specialized services such as packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, distinguishing them from many competitors. With a straightforward pricing of $150 per hour for local moves and no deposit required, First-Rate Moving & Storage presents a reliable and cost-effective option for residents looking for quality moving services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3141590
Ray the Mover
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2724757
Years in Business: 85
1 Allard Drive, Manchester, NH 3102 USRay the Mover has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Manchester, NH since 1940. While their Yelp reviews average 2.8 stars, their Google My Business profile boasts a more favorable 4.3-star average from 177 reviews, and they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a generally positive customer experience. Unlike many other local movers, Ray the Mover offers additional services such as packing, unpacking, and crating, and they even accept credit cards and require no deposit. This diverse range of services, coupled with decades of experience, makes Ray the Mover a solid choice for those seeking reliable local moving assistance.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2724757
Alternative Business Names
- Ray the Mover of Manchester, Inc.
- MII Moving and Storage LLC
Bridges Bros. Movers
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 3152985
Years in Business: 106
29 Garfield St, Exeter, NH 03833Bridges Bros. Movers, established in 1920, offers premier local residential moving services in and around Exeter, NH. Compared to other nearby moving companies, Bridges Bros. stands out with its impressive longevity and reputation. Their exceptional customer service is reflected in their Yelp profile with an average rating of 4.1 and an outstanding 4.9 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, they provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and their full valuation insurance coverage ensures clients' peace of mind. Accepting credit cards for convenience, Bridges Bros. is a trusted choice for local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3152985
- State license #: 3152985
Alternative Business Names
- Bridges Brothers Movers
Trend Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 3092893
Years in Business: 6
14 Liberty Dr, Londonderry, NH 03053Trend Moving & Storage, established in 2019, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Londonderry, NH. Unlike many nearby movers, Trend Moving & Storage also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, and can handle delicate items like pianos and antiques. Customers have praised the company’s reliability and professionalism, evident from their impressive average ratings of 4.8 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google My Business. With no deposit requirement and full valuation insurance coverage, Trend Moving & Storage is a trustworthy and customer-centric choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3092893
- State license #: 3092893
William C. Huff Moving & Storage
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 361089
Years in Business: 117
26 Colonial Way, Barrington, NH 03825William C. Huff Moving & Storage, serving Barrington, NH, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1909. Known for their outstanding customer satisfaction, they boast an average rating of 4.8 on both Yelp and Google My Business, and hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other local movers, they not only excel in standard moving services but also offer specialized options, including packing, unpacking, and storage solutions. Moreover, their ability to handle delicate items such as pianos, art, and antiques ensures a comprehensive moving experience. With no deposit required and full valuation insurance coverage, they provide peace of mind and reliability that stands out in the moving industry.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 361089
- State license #: 361089
Alternative Business Names
- William C. Huff Trucking Company, Inc.
The best New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire and drop it off at your new home in California.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best New Hampshire to California moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from New Hampshire 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:
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The best New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire to California:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NH to CA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 17 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from New Hampshire to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,893 - $7,897 | $1,819 - $4,720 | $2,068 - $3,856 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $5,884 - $12,168 | $3,225 - $6,759 | $2,217 - $4,545 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $10,960 - $18,305 | $4,456 - $9,515 | $2,639 - $5,582 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 3,081 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 New Hampshire to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New Hampshire to California will cost between $1,893 and $7,897. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NH to CA will range from $5,884 to $12,168, and a large move from New Hampshire to California will cost from $10,960 to $18,305.
Cost of moving containers from New Hampshire to California
Moving containers from New Hampshire to California will cost you $1,819 to $4,720 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,225 to $6,759. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,456 to $9,515. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New Hampshire.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Hampshire 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
$2,068 to $3,856.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$2,217 to $4,545,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New Hampshire to California costs from
$2,639 to $5,582.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NH to CA
There are many factors that influence New Hampshire moving costs. The cost to move from New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 NH to CA
If you’re moving to California from New Hampshire, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: New Hampshire vs. California
| New Hampshire | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,336 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $478,955 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,845 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 0.0% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 4.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 39% more expensive in California than in New Hampshire.
- Home prices are about 61% higher in California than in New Hampshire.
- The average income is about 1% higher in California than in New Hampshire.
- Cost of living is 34% lower in California than in New Hampshire.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than New Hampshire by about 157%.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in California than in New Hampshire.
- Income taxes are 233% higher in California than in New Hampshire.
How life is different in California vs. New Hampshire
| California | New Hampshire | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 1,402,054 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 50.8-48.1 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 80ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 9ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 68" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 11.37 |
- The population of California is approximately 2,684% greater than the population of New Hampshire.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and New Hampshire voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in New Hampshire, it’s 80ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and New Hampshire gets down to 9ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 46 inches of rainfall in New Hampshire.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 68 inches of snow in New Hampshire.
- California has a higher crime rate than New Hampshire with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 11.37.
Comparing the pros of New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
| Pros of living in New Hampshire | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Tranquil | Pleasant weather |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant recreational options |
| No sales tax | High quality of life |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire for California.
| Cons of living in New Hampshire | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Long harsh winters | High cost of living |
| Limited diversity | Heavy tax burdens |
| Heavy traffic | Natural disasters |
| Few urban amenities | Terrible traffic |
| High cost of living | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your New Hampshire to California move
- 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 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
What is the cheapest way to move from New Hampshire to California?
Hiring a full-service New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire to California?
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 New Hampshire to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from New Hampshire to California?
The main reasons people are moving from New Hampshire to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire or California?
It is generally cheaper to live in New Hampshire than in California. Housing is much more affordable in New Hampshire, with average rent about 28% less and home prices 38% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in New Hampshire, 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?
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.
