($1,584) Cost of Moving From West Virginia to California
Quick answer: When planning a move from West Virginia to California, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,805 to $10,200. Most relocations will take about seven–21 days. Your actual price can change depending on your home size, timing, and whether you go with a professional moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to West Virginia guide.
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The best West Virginia to California full-service movers
Planning a move from West Virginia to California? With countless moving companies to choose from, finding the right interstate mover can be tough. We’ve made it easier by researching and handpicking the best options based on detailed reviews, upfront pricing, and exceptional services.
Start your journey from West Virginia to California with these top-rated long-distance movers serving West Virginia.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in West Virginia
With so many options, finding a dependable local moving company isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local movers in West Virginia, including movers that are known for transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and standout services to make your move smoother.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Central Van Lines: 4 out of 5 stars
- Abate Moving Services LLC: 3.96 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Central Van & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 076235
Years in Business: 28
37 Jacobson Drive, Charleston, WV 25159Central Van & Storage, Inc., serving Charleston, WV, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1998. Known for their comprehensive services, they stand out by offering specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques, along with office moving services. Despite mixed online reviews—ranging from a low average on Yelp to a high 4.6 rating on Google—they maintain a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, indicating strong reliability and customer service. Unlike many competitors, they provide full valuation insurance coverage and do not require a deposit, making them a strong contender for anyone needing dependable, flexible moving services in the Charleston area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 076235
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems
rating
4.2 / 5
DOT #: 587135
Years in Business: 35
1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV 25701Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems has been a reliable choice for local residential moves in Huntington, WV since 1990. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, accept credit cards, and require no deposit. While consumer reviews are mixed, with a 3.9 average rating on Google and an A+ BBB rating, they remain a trusted name in the community. Their long-standing presence and extensive service offerings make them a solid option for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 587135
Alternative Business Names
- Future Enterprises Corporation
Central Van Lines
rating
4 / 5
Years in Business: 28
37 Jacobson Dr, Poca, WV 25159Review Profiles
Additional Information
Abate Moving Services LLC
rating
3.96 / 5
Abate Moving Services LLC specializes in local residential moving in and around Morgantown, WV, standing out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive offerings. In addition to local moves, they provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and can expertly handle moving delicate items such as pianos, pool tables, art, and antiques. With a stellar online reputation, they boast an average rating of 4.8 from 110 reviews on Google, and a solid 4.2 average from five Yelp reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction. Notably, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for those seeking quality moving services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
Dunbar Transfer
rating
3.9 / 5
DOT #: 1186580
Dunbar Transfer, based in Tornado, WV, specializes in local residential moving services, making them a top choice for those staying within the area. With stellar consumer reviews—boasting a perfect 5.0 average on Yelp and a solid 4.4 on Google—customers consistently praise their service quality. Unlike many local competitors, Dunbar Transfer also offers packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos and art. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, further setting them apart from other movers in the region.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1186580
The best West Virginia to California moving container companies
Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in West Virginia and delivering it to your new place in California.
Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:
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The best West Virginia to California moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from West Virginia to California, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best West Virginia to California labor-only movers
If you’re just looking for some help loading your stuff into a rental truck or storage container, labor-only movers are the way to go. You can choose the crew size that fits your needs, and you only pay for the time they end up taking.
When planning a move from West Virginia to California, check out these top-rated moving labor companies for a hassle-free experience.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to CA move
How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to California?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from West Virginia to California. You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,584 - $6,836 | $1,662 - $4,175 | $1,703 - $3,296 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,956 - $10,200 | $2,806 - $6,140 | $1,805 - $4,045 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,408 - $14,422 | $3,903 - $8,514 | $2,497 - $4,864 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,545 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 West Virginia to California
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from West Virginia to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,584 and $6,836. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,956 to $10,200 for the trip from WV to CA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $9,408 and $14,422.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to California
When you’re heading from West Virginia to California, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,662 and $4,175. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,806 and $6,140. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,903 to $8,514. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from West Virginia easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,703 and $3,296 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,805 to $4,045. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home or making a long-distance move from West Virginia to California, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,497 to $4,864.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to CA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from West Virginia to California. Here’s what might influence your total price:
- Move size: Bigger homes cost more to move than small studios.
- Time of year: Rates go up during summer, the peak moving season in West Virginia.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Moving yourself is more affordable, but letting professionals handle the move saves you time and effort.
What to know before moving from WV to CA
If you’re moving from West Virginia to California, it’s a good idea to see how your new state compares to your old one.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. California
Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in West Virginia and California. This simple side-by-side overview highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, so you can see how your budget might change. Take a look at how these two states measure up when it comes to the essentials that impact your cost of living:
| West Virginia | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $899 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $168,172 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,217 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 106% more expensive in California than in West Virginia; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 358% higher in California than in West Virginia.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 66% higher in California than in West Virginia, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living is 49% higher in California than in West Virginia. If you're making the move to California with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 29%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring processes.
- Sales taxes are 45% higher in California than in West Virginia. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in California vs. West Virginia
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in California versus West Virginia across some essential lifestyle factors:
| California | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 1,782,959 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 45" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 33" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 17.47 |
- The population of California is approximately 2,089% greater than the population of West Virginia. With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and West Virginia voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in West Virginia, it’s 83ºF. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF while West Virginia gets down to 21ºF. A move to California with milder winters offers greater day-to-day convenience, lower costs, and more freedom to explore outdoors. It’s a great fit for those who prefer sun over snow and fewer weather-related interruptions.
- You can expect only about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 45 inches of rainfall in West Virginia. Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
- In California, it only snows about 7 inches annually while West Virginia gets 33 inches of snow. Moving to California, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles, making it a great fit for those seeking a milder winter climate.
- California has a higher crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 17.47. A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. California
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in California to West Virginia.
| Pros of living in West Virginia | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant outdoor activities | Pleasant weather |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather | Abundant recreational options |
| Immense natural beauty | High quality of life |
| Relaxed small cities and towns | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. California
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from West Virginia to California.
| Cons of living in West Virginia | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Dismal economy | High cost of living |
| High rates of crime | Heavy tax burdens |
| High rates of drug abuse | Natural disasters |
| Shrinking population | Terrible traffic |
| Lack of diversity | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to California move
- 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: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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 your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in California, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called "released value protection," free of charge. 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: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in California
Get excited to explore California. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood 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)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
