Moving from New York to California: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo has reviewed hundreds of moving companies and is an expert at all things moving.

Last Updated: Sep 14, 2022 · 5 min

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from New York to California ranges from $1,200 to $7,748. Moving costs will vary based on the amount of stuff being moved, the time of year, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Moving out of state can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your move to California. But just in case you’re short on time, here are a few quick resources to get immediate answers.

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

How much will your move cost?: 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 Moving Container Companies: Use a trustworthy moving container company for a more budget-friendly option, and leave the driving to the professionals.
Best Car Shipping Companies: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Okay, let’s talk about moving costs.

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.

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,339 - $5,147	$1,469 - $2,401	$1,149 - $1,486
2 - 3 bedrooms	$3,563 - $7,748	$2,492 - $3,797	$1,200 - $1,733
4+ bedrooms	$6,675 - $11,556	$3,453 - $4,894	$1,501 - $2,083

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,816 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.

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 $1,339-$5,147. The cost to move a 2-3 bedroom home from NY to CA will range from $3,563 to $7,748, and a large move from New York to California will cost from $6,675 to $11,556.

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

Moving pods from New York to California will cost you $1,469-$2,401 for a small move. For a 2-3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,492 - $3,797. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,453 - $4,894.

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 $1,149 to $1,486. A larger move will cost $1,200 - $1,733, and a 4+ bedroom move from New York to California costs from $1,501 - $2,083.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

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 long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
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.

Looking for local New York movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	100 Bowne Street, New York, NY, 11231 +17189071830
Mabey's Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.8 overall rating	515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY, 12144 +15182830017
Mack's Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.72 overall rating	4 Center Street, Green Island, NY, 12183 +15183262041

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

How to ship a car from New York to California

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car safely arrives in California.

Here's our list of the best New York to California car shipping companies.

Best Overall Value	Best Insurance Coverage	Best for Quick Pick Up	Best for accurate pricing	Best auto transport marketplace


5 overall rating	4.75 overall rating	4.5 overall rating	4.8 overall rating	3.9 overall rating
Check prices	Check prices	Check prices	Check prices	Check prices
(224) 206-5633	(866) 563-0804	(888) 259-6046	(833) 775-1461

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

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	$1,280	$1,503
Average home cost	$381,335	$758,360
Average income (per capita)	$71,117	$78,672
Cost of Living Index	139	151
Unemployment rate	5.3%	5.8%
Average Sales Tax	8.52%	8.68%
State Income Tax	10.9%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about the same cost in California and New York.
Home prices are about the same in California and New York.
The average income is about the same in California and New York.
Cost of living is about the same in California and New York.
California and New York have about the same unemployment rate.
Sales taxes are the same in California and New York.
Income taxes are the same in California and New York.

How is life different in California from New York?

	California	New York
Population	39,237,836	19,835,913
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	25.7	16.99

source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces

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.

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. 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.