When relocating from Pennsylvania to California, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,675 to
$7,397, roughly
$3,793 for a container move, and close to
$2,371
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,163 – $4,894 | $1,357 – $3,282 | $1,477 – $2,692 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,675 – $7,397 | $2,409 – $5,177 | $1,537 – $3,206 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,049 – $11,461 | $3,158 – $6,854 | $1,942 – $4,266 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,163 – $4,894
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,675 – $7,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,049 – $11,461
How much do moving containers cost from Pennsylvania to California?
- Small move: $1,357 – $3,282
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,409 – $5,177
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,158 – $6,854
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,477 – $2,692
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,537 – $3,206
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,942 – $4,266
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,730-mile move from PA to CA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from PA to CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Pennsylvania | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,110 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.34% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 67% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
Avg rent: $1,110 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 187% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
Avg home value: $268,824 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 26% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
Avg income (per capita): $73,170 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 35% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
Cost of living index: 99 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 37% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
Avg sales tax: 6.34% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 333% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
State income tax: 3.07% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to Pennsylvania?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| California | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 17.62 |
Will California feel more crowded than Pennsylvania?
California is about 201% more populous than Pennsylvania — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic while Pennsylvania voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 83°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: California gets less rain (22″ vs. 44″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 38 inches).
Is California safer than Pennsylvania?
California has a higher crime index than Pennsylvania (28.43 vs. 17.62). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to California move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in California, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. 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: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in California?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in California?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
No moving permit is required in California, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. 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.
Some movers in Pennsylvania offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
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