($1,662) Cost of Moving From Wisconsin to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Wisconsin to California ranges from $1,700 to $9,334 and takes six–17 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Wisconsin guide.

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The best Wisconsin to California full-service movers

Moving from Wisconsin to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Wisconsin for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Wisconsin

  1. Above Average Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. EC Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Above Average Moving LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 2595339

Years in Business: 9

1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI 53704 US

Above Average Moving LLC, a reputable local moving company based in Madison, WI, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2017. With high average ratings on Yelp (4.4) and Google My Business (4.8), alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and office moving, and they stand out by not requiring a deposit and accepting credit cards. If you're looking for a trusted and efficient mover in Madison, Above Average Moving LLC is a dependable choice.

Get a Quote (608) 556-7980

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Above Average Moving LLC
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Eagle Moving & Storage Co

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 689374

Years in Business: 94

929 West Bruce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 US

Eagle Moving & Storage Co, a trusted moving company in Milwaukee, WI, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1931. With a solid history and a high BBB rating of A+, they stand out among other nearby movers for their experience and reputation. Consumer feedback reveals a strong presence on Google with an average rating of 4.2 out of 127 reviews, and they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and office moves. Known for their flexibility, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, ensuring a hassle-free moving experience for local customers.

Get a Quote (414) 383-1776

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage

Additional Information

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EC Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 125550

Years in Business: 31

3230 Hogarth St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

EC Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Eau Claire, WI since 1993. This reputable company stands out among nearby movers with its comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, piano and art moving capabilities, and the convenience of accepting credit cards with no deposit required. Customers consistently praise their reliability and professionalism, reflected in their impressive 4.8 average rating on Google from 30 reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. EC Moving & Storage, Inc. ensures a seamless moving experience for all local relocations.

Get a Quote (715) 832-8161

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Atlas Van Lines
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Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 514341

Years in Business: 77

2720 E Winslow Ave, Appleton, WI 54911

Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. has been delivering reliable local residential moving services in and around Appleton, WI since 1948. While their Yelp reviews average at 2.4 stars, their Google My Business profile shines with an average rating of 4.2 stars, and they boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, Schroeder Moving Systems offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialty moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. This seasoned mover accepts credit cards and provides full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.

Get a Quote (920) 739-5533

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
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Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 3088976

Years in Business: 8

1501 St Andrew St #411, La Crosse, WI 54601

Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc., based in La Crosse, WI, has been serving local residents since 2018 with a reliable focus on residential moving services. With a strong presence in the area, they stand out among nearby moving companies by offering comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, including specialized handling for pianos, art, and antiques. Customers appreciate their flexibility, notably the acceptance of credit cards and the absence of a required deposit. Consumer reviews reflect a generally positive sentiment with a stellar Google rating of 4.5 from 162 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though their Yelp rating averages at 3.5 from 10 reviews. This positions Eric's Moving and Delivery as a reputable and customer-friendly choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (608) 386-9787

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Eric's Moving and Delivery
  • Eric's Moving and Delivery Service
  • Kvamers Emergency Moving
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The best Wisconsin to California moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Wisconsin and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Wisconsin to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Wisconsin to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Wisconsin to California labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Wisconsin to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your WI to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 29 Wisconsin movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Wisconsin to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Wisconsin to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,662 - $5,960 $1,467 - $3,817 $1,555 - $2,916
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,309 - $9,334 $2,608 - $5,656 $1,700 - $3,507
4+ bedrooms $8,165 - $14,369 $3,436 - $7,431 $2,044 - $4,423

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,163 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Wisconsin to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to California will cost between $1,662 and $5,960. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WI to CA will range from $4,309 to $9,334, and a large move from Wisconsin to California will cost from $8,165 to $14,369.

Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Wisconsin to California will cost you $1,467 to $3,817 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,608 to $5,656. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,436 to $7,431. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Wisconsin.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Wisconsin to Californiatoggle

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 $1,555 to $2,916. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,700 to $3,507, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Wisconsin to California costs from $2,044 to $4,423.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from WI to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Wisconsin moving costs. The cost to move from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.

What to know before moving from WI to CA

If you’re moving to California from Wisconsin, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Wisconsin vs. California

Wisconsin California
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,856
Average home cost $306,566 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $72,458 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 99 134
Unemployment rate 2.9% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 5.43% 8.68%
State Income Tax 7.65% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 69% more expensive in California than in Wisconsin.
  • Home prices are about 152% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
  • The average income is about 27% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
  • Cost of living is 35% lower in California than in Wisconsin.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Wisconsin by about 86%.
  • Sales taxes are 60% higher in California than in Wisconsin.
  • Income taxes are 74% higher in California than in Wisconsin.

How life is different in California vs. Wisconsin

California Wisconsin
Population 39,029,342 5,910,955
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Republican 51-49
Summer high 87ºF 81ºF
Winter low 59ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 22" 34"
Annual snow 7" 48"
Crime index 28.43 16.82
  • The population of California is approximately 560% greater than the population of Wisconsin.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Wisconsin voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Wisconsin, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Wisconsin gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 34 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 48 inches of snow in Wisconsin.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 16.82.

Comparing the pros of Wisconsin vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Wisconsin.

Pros of living in Wisconsin Pros of living in California
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
High quality of life Pleasant weather
Abundant outdoor recreational activities Abundant recreational options
Unique tasty food High quality of life
Borders great lakes Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Wisconsin vs. California

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Wisconsin for California.

Cons of living in Wisconsin Cons of living in California
High tax burden High cost of living
Extreme seasonal weather Heavy tax burdens
Lack of diversity Natural disasters
Poor roads Terrible traffic
High rate of alcoholism Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Wisconsin to California movetoggle

  • 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

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

What is the cheapest way to move from Wisconsin to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Wisconsin moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Wisconsin to California?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Wisconsin to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Wisconsin to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Wisconsin to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Wisconsin or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Wisconsin than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Wisconsin, with average rent about 41% less and home prices 60% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Wisconsin, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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