Moving from Washington to California: Movers and Cost
Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Washington to California ranges from $799 to $7,819. 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 Washington to California movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company, you won't regret checking out our list of the top movers from Washington 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 Washington 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 | $1,552 - $6,116 | $950 - $2,312 | $739 - $1,400 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,237 - $7,819 | $1,704 - $3,384 | $799 - $1,664 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,354 - $10,372 | $2,296 - $4,444 | $1,001 - $2,024 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 953 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington guide.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Washington to California?
To ship furniture from Washington to California with a mover will cost between $1,552 to $6,116. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from WA to CA will range from $3,237 to $7,819, and a large move from Washington to California will cost from $5,354 to $10,372.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Washington to California?
Moving pods from Washington to California will cost you $950 to $2,312 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,704 to $3,384. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,296 to $4,444.
How much is a moving truck from Washington 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 $739 to $1,400. A larger move will cost $799 to $1,664, and a 4+ bedroom move from Washington to California costs from $1,001 to $2,024.
How to ship a car from Washington to California?
If you're moving from Washington to California and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Washington 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 Washington to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Washington, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Washington vs California
| Washington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,258 | $1,503 |
| Average home cost | $582,732 | $758,360 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,775 | $78,672 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.23% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 20% more expensive in California than in Washington.
- Home prices are about 30.1% higher in California than in Washington.
- The average income is about 6.6% higher in California than in Washington.
- Cost of living is about the same in California and Washington.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Washington by about 28.9%.
- Sales taxes are 5.96% lower in California than in Washington.
- Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Washington.
How is life different in California from Washington?
| California | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,237,836 | 7,738,692 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Democrat 58-39 |
| Summer High | 87ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter Low | 59ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual Rain | 22" | 38" |
| Annual Snow | 7" | 18" |
| Crime Index | 25.7 | 30.22 |
- The population of California is approximately 407% greater than the population of Washington.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Washington voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Washington, it’s 79ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Washington gets down to 29ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 18 inches of snow in Washington.
- California has a lower crime rate than Washington with a crime index of 30.22 vs 25.7.
Comparing the pros of Washington vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Washington vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Washington | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Beautiful landscapes | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | Pleasant weather |
| High quality of life | Abundant recreational options |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | High quality of life |
| Delicious seafood | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Washington vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Washington for California.
| Cons of living in Washington | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Constant rain | High cost of living |
| Bad traffic | Heavy tax burdens |
| High cost of living | Natural disasters |
| High crime rate | Terrible traffic |
| Natural disasters | 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 Washington movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
 
4.45 / 5
|
914 Valley Ave NW Ste 102, Puyallup, WA, 98371 (253) 864-7870 |
| Eco Movers Moving | Get A Quote |
4.45 / 5
|
1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA, 98119 (206) 971-6895 |
| A2B Moving & Storage, LLC | Get A Quote |
4.45 / 5
|
4230 B St NW, Auburn, WA, 98001 (206) 419-5748 |
Visit our Best Movers in Washington 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
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