$1,288 Movers From Houston, TX to California
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Houston, TX to California averages from $1,147 to $7,240 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a professional Houston moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a 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 Houston, TX guide.
Moving from Houston, TX to California resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to California. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Houston, TX to California movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Houston to California.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Houston, TX to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 1,765 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Houston to California moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Houston 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 Houston to California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Air Van northAmerican Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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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 Houston, TX to California?
Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Houston to California:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,288 - $5,020 | $1,105 - $2,728 | $1,060 - $2,039 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,263 - $7,240 | $1,971 - $4,030 | $1,147 - $2,426 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,961 - $10,517 | $2,692 - $5,411 | $1,446 - $2,969 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,765 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 Houston, TX to California will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Houston, TX to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Houston to California will cost between $1,288 to $5,020. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Houston to CA will range from $3,263 to $7,240, and a large move from Houston to California will cost from $5,961 to $10,517.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Houston, TX to California?
Moving pods from Houston to California will cost you $1,105 to $2,728. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,971 to $4,030. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,692 to $5,411. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Houston to California.
How much is a moving truck from Houston, TX to California?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,060 to $2,039. A larger move will cost $1,147 to $2,426, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Houston to California costs from $1,446 to $2,969.
Is moving from Houston, TX to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Houston, TX, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Houston, TX vs California
| Houston, TX | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,242 | $1,503 |
| Average home cost | $243,875 | $758,360 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,076 | $78,672 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 25% more expensive in California than in Houston.
- Home prices are about 186.4% higher in California than in Houston.
- The average income is about 26.8% higher in California than in Houston.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Houston by about 20.0%.
- Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Houston.
How is life different in Houston, TX from California?
| Houston, TX | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,304,580 | 39,237,836 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-43 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime index | 55.87 | 25.7 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of California is approximately 1,603% greater than the population of Houston.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Houston voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Houston, it’s 94ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Houston gets down to 43ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 53 inches of rainfall in Houston.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 0 inches of snow in Houston.
- California has a lower crime rate than Houston with a crime index of 55.87 vs 25.7.
Comparing the pros of Houston, TX vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Houston vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Houston, TX | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | Pleasant weather |
| Delicious seafood | Abundant recreational options |
| Diversity | High quality of life |
| Affordable housing | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Houston, TX vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Houston for California.
| Cons of living in Houston, TX | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Tropical storms | High cost of living |
| Heat and humidity | Heavy tax burdens |
| Terrible traffic | Natural disasters |
| Limited public transportation | Terrible traffic |
| High crime rate | 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: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 Houston movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2500 Brushy Creek Loop, Cedar Park, TX, 78613 (512) 975-4400 |
Visit our best movers in Houston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in California?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
- Griffith Observatory
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Norton Simon Museum
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Tallac Historic Site
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- Oakland Museum of California
- March Field Air Museum
- Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
- MacKerricher State Park
- Tilden Regional Park
- Dinosaur Caves Park
- Greystone Mansion and Park
- Rancho San Antonio County Park
- Serra Cross Park
- Coyote Hills Regional Park
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Palisades Park
- Irvine 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)
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- California State University, Northridge
Moving from Houston to California FAQs
Why are people moving from Houston to California?
Many people are moving to California because of ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from Houston because of tropical storms and heat and humidity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Houston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Houston.
