Moving from New York to California: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from New York to California ranges from $1,788 to $8,381. Moving costs will vary based on the size of your move, the time of year, and whether you hire a company or move yourself. To get a more accurate estimate of what your move will cost, use our moving cost calculator.

Moving out of state can feel overwhelming. We know! Every month we help thousands of people move and after nine years in business, we’ve seen it all.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your move to California. If you’re short on time, here are a few quick resources to get immediate answers.

• Moving Cost Calculator: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
• Best New York to California movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company, you won't regret checking out our list of the top movers from New York to California.
• Best Car Shipping Companies: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

How much does it cost to move from New York to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,897 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.

The cost to move from New York to California will depend on:

• Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
• Time of year: The peak moving season is in the summer, this makes prices higher.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: You may save money with a DIY move, but you also will have to do all the work.

Who Are The Best New York to California Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal. We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best New York to California moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to New York guide.

How much does it cost to hire movers from New York to California?

To ship furniture from New York to California with a mover will cost between $1,399 to $5,898. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from NY to CA will range from $4,174 to $8,381, and a large move from New York to California will cost from $7,854 to $12,986.

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

Moving pods from New York to California will cost you $1,498 to $3,734 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,655 to $5,556. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,666 to $7,585.

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 $1,651 to $3,203. A larger move will cost $1,788 to $3,813, and a 4+ bedroom move from New York to California costs from $2,261 to $4,682.

How to ship a car from New York to California?

If you're moving from New York to California and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated New York to California car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

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

• Rent is about 17% more expensive in California than in New York.
• Home prices are about 98.9% higher in California than in New York.
• The average income is about 10.6% 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 9.4%.
• 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?

• 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 25.7 vs 16.99.

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.

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.

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. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• 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?

Visit our Best Movers in New York page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to move to in California

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Golden State," these are the best cities in California to move to.

Most popular cities to move to in California:

• Anaheim
• Bakersfield
• Chula Vista

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

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• New York to Los Angeles
• New York to San Diego
• New York to San Jose
• New York to San Francisco
• New York to Fresno
• New York City to California
• New York City to Los Angeles
• New York City to San Diego
• New York City to San Jose
• New York City to San Francisco
• New York City to Fresno

Learn more about California

• What Is The Cost To Move To California?
• Best Moving Companies in California