Moving from Texas to California: Movers and Cost
Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Texas to California ranges from $1,079 to $7,496. 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 Texas to California movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company, you won't regret checking out our list of the top movers from Texas 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 Texas 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 | $1,394 - $5,540 | $1,119 - $2,747 | $998 - $1,910 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,268 - $7,496 | $2,000 - $4,044 | $1,079 - $2,271 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,719 - $10,431 | $2,718 - $5,387 | $1,359 - $2,774 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,407 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas to California moving companies.
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 Texas guide.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Texas to California?
To ship furniture from Texas to California with a mover will cost between $1,394 to $5,540. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from TX to CA will range from $3,268 to $7,496, and a large move from Texas to California will cost from $5,719 to $10,431.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Texas to California?
Moving pods from Texas to California will cost you $1,119 to $2,747 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,000 to $4,044. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,718 to $5,387.
How much is a moving truck from Texas 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 $998 to $1,910. A larger move will cost $1,079 to $2,271, and a 4+ bedroom move from Texas to California costs from $1,359 to $2,774.
How to ship a car from Texas to California?
If you're moving from Texas to California and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Texas 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 Texas to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Texas, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Texas vs California
| Texas | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,045 | $1,503 |
| Average home cost | $276,048 | $758,360 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,874 | $78,672 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.19% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 44% more expensive in California than in Texas.
- Home prices are about 174.7% higher in California than in Texas.
- The average income is about 27.1% higher in California than in Texas.
- Cost of living is 9.9% lower in California than in Texas.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Texas by about 16.0%.
- Sales taxes are 5.98% higher in California than in Texas.
- Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Texas.
How is life different in California from Texas?
| California | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,237,836 | 29,145,505 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Republican 52-46 |
| Summer High | 87ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter Low | 59ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual Rain | 22" | 36" |
| Annual Snow | 7" | 2" |
| Crime Index | 25.7 | 27.11 |
- The population of California is approximately 35% greater than the population of Texas.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Texas voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Texas, it’s 94ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Texas gets down to 36ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 36 inches of rainfall in Texas.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 2 inches of snow in Texas.
- California has a lower crime rate than Texas with a crime index of 27.11 vs 25.7.
Comparing the pros of Texas vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Texas vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Texas | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Favorable climate | Pleasant weather |
| Delicious barbecue | Abundant recreational options |
| Low taxes | High quality of life |
| Privacy and freedom | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Texas vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Texas for California.
| Cons of living in Texas | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Severe weather | High cost of living |
| Limited healthcare access | Heavy tax burdens |
| High crime rate | Natural disasters |
| Traffic issues | Terrible traffic |
| Politics | 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.
Looking for local Texas movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Cow | Get A Quote |
 
4.45 / 5
|
2500 Brushy Creek Loop, Cedar Park, TX, 78613 (512) 975-4400 |
| 3 Men Movers | Get A Quote |
4.45 / 5
|
302 Casa Blanca St, San Antonio, TX, 78215 (210) 337-6683 |
| Olde World Movers | Get A Quote |
4.45 / 5
|
909 Heather Dr, Euless, TX, 76040 (817) 545-7477 |
Visit our Best Movers in Texas 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:
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
- Texas to Los Angeles
- Texas to San Diego
- Texas to San Jose
- Texas to San Francisco
- Texas to Fresno
- Houston to California
- San Antonio to California
- Dallas to California
- Austin to California
- Fort Worth to California
- Houston to Los Angeles
- Houston to San Diego
- Houston to San Jose
- Houston to San Francisco
- Houston to Fresno
