Moving From Virginia to California (Movers From $1,378)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to move from Virginia to California ranges from $1,788 to $8,050 and takes 7-21 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a full-service Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental 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 Virginia guide.
The best Virginia to California movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from Virginia 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 Virginia to California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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 Virginia to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Virginia to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,378 - $5,694 | $1,501 - $3,774 | $1,752 - $3,428 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,330 - $8,050 | $2,831 - $5,784 | $1,788 - $3,807 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,596 - $12,991 | $3,941 - $8,352 | $2,259 - $4,671 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,646 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.
There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Virginia to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Virginia to California will cost between $1,378 to $5,694. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from VA to CA will range from $4,330 to $8,050, and a large move from Virginia to California will cost from $7,596 to $12,991.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Virginia to California?
Moving containers from Virginia to California will cost you $1,501 to $3,774 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,831 to $5,784. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,941 to $8,352. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.
How much is a moving truck from Virginia 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 $1,752 to $3,428. A larger move will cost $1,788 to $3,807, and a 4+ bedroom move from Virginia to California costs from $2,259 to $4,671.
Is moving from Virginia to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Virginia vs California
| Virginia | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,257 | $1,586 |
| Average home cost | $372,801 | $746,055 |
| Average income (per capita) | $87,249 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 0 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 5.73% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 26% more expensive in California than in Virginia.
- Home prices are about 100.1% higher in California than in Virginia.
- The average income is about 5.3% higher in California than in Virginia.
- Cost of living is inf% lower in California than in Virginia.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia by about 45.5%.
- Sales taxes are 51.48% higher in California than in Virginia.
- Income taxes are 131.30% higher in California than in Virginia.
How is life different in California from Virginia?
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 8,683,619 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Democratic 54-44 |
| Summer High | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter Low | 59ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual Rain | 22" | 44" |
| Annual Snow | 7" | 14" |
| Crime Index | 27.88 | 17.05 |
- The population of California is approximately 349% greater than the population of Virginia.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Virginia voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
- California has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 27.88 vs 17.05.
Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Virginia vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Virginia | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Strong economy | Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful scenery | Pleasant weather |
| Abundance of outdoor activities | Abundant recreational options |
| Enjoyable four season weather | High quality of life |
| Strong military presence | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for California.
| Cons of living in Virginia | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Unpredictable weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| Bad traffic congestion | Natural disasters |
| Lack of public transportation | Terrible traffic |
| Air noise pollution | 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. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Virginia movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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15005 Farm Creek Dr Unit 106, Woodbridge, VA, 22191 (703) 291-0881 |
| Global Moving Systems | Get A Quote |
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7664 Fullerton Rd # N, Springfield, VA, 22153 (800) 224-0906 |
| My Pro Movers | Get A Quote |
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8370 Greensboro Dr Apt 817, McLean, VA, 22102 (703) 310-7333 |
Visit our Best Movers in Virginia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
FAQs about moving from Virginia to California
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to California?
The cheapest way to move from Virginia to California is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
