$1,245 Movers From New York to California

The cost to move from New York to California averages from $1,730 to $7,309 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service New York 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 New York guide.

Moving from New York to California resources

Moving 2,914 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best New York to California movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from New York 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 New York to California.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

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 New York to California?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,245 - $5,091 $1,490 - $3,830 $1,648 - $3,196
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,869 - $7,309 $2,803 - $5,533 $1,730 - $3,728
4+ bedrooms $6,850 - $11,445 $3,761 - $7,785 $2,165 - $4,955
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,914 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 New York moving costs. The cost to move from New York 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 York 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 New York to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New York to California will cost between $1,245 to $5,091. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NY to CA will range from $3,869 to $7,309, and a large move from New York to California will cost from $6,850 to $11,445.

How much are moving containers like PODS from New York to California?

Moving containers from New York to California will cost you $1,490 to $3,830 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,803 to $5,533. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,761 to $7,785. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New York.

How much is a moving truck from New York 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 $1,648 to $3,196. A larger move will cost $1,730 to $3,728, and a 4+ bedroom move from New York to California costs from $2,165 to $4,955.

Is moving from New York to California a good idea?

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

Cost of Living: New York vs California

New York California
Average rent cost $1,315 $1,586
Average home cost $450,466 $746,055
Average income (per capita) $81,386 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 3.8% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 8.52% 8.68%
State Income Tax 10.9% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 21% more expensive in California than in New York.
  • Home prices are about 65.6% higher in California than in New York.
  • The average income is about 12.9% higher in California than in New York.
  • Cost of living is about the same in California and New York.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than New York by about 26.3%.
  • Sales taxes are 1.88% higher in California than in New York.
  • Income taxes are 22.02% higher in California than in New York.

How is life different in California from New York?

California New York
Population 39,029,342 19,677,151
Political leaning Democratic 63-34 Democratic 61-38
Summer High 87ºF 81ºF
Winter Low 59ºF 16ºF
Annual Rain 22" 44"
Annual Snow 7" 62"
Crime Index 27.88 16.65
  • The population of California is approximately 98% greater than the population of New York.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and New York voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 62 inches of snow in New York.
  • California has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 27.88 vs 16.65.

Comparing the pros of New York vs. California:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in New York vs California side-by-side.

Pros of living in New York Pros of living in California
Natural beauty Ample economic opportunity
Arts Pleasant weather
Ample economic opportunity Abundant recreational options
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities High quality of life
Distinct seasons Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. California:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving New York for California.

Cons of living in New York Cons of living in California
High tax burden High cost of living
Rough winter weather Heavy tax burdens
High cost of living Natural disasters
Poor quality healthcare Terrible traffic
Populous 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 New York movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mabey's Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY, 12144
(518) 283-0017
Reliable Movers and Removal Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
159 Hardenburg Ave, Auburn, NY, 13021
(315) 252-9214

Visit our Best Movers in New York 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 New York to California

What is the cheapest way to move from New York to California?

The cheapest way to move from New York 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 New York to California?

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

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California