($1,452) Moving From California to Delaware

Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Delaware ranges from $1,740 to $8,121 and takes seven-twenty-one 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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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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 California to Delaware separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best California to Delaware movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Delaware 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 California to Delaware:

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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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(866) 835-2392
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  • 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

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Grace Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351
(209) 551-7772
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828
(916) 596-9374

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,452 - $5,890 $1,449 - $3,465 $1,638 - $2,959
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,334 - $8,121 $2,569 - $5,317 $1,740 - $3,672
4+ bedrooms $7,688 - $12,584 $3,689 - $7,552 $2,155 - $4,325

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,848 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.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to DE

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Delaware 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 California 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 California to Delaware?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Delaware will cost between $1,452 and $5,890. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to DE will range from $4,334 to $8,121, and a large move from California to Delaware will cost from $7,688 to $12,584.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Delaware?

Moving containers from California to Delaware will cost you $1,449 to $3,465 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,569 to $5,317. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,689 to $7,552. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from California to Delaware?

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 $1,638 to $2,959. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,740 to $3,672, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Delaware costs from $2,155 to $4,325.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from California to Delaware a good idea?

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

Cost of living: California vs. Delaware

California Delaware
Average rent cost $1,586 $1,150
Average home cost $746,055 $375,165
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $79,325
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 4.8% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 0.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 6.6%
  • Rent is about 27% less expensive in Delaware than in California.
  • Home prices are about 50% lower in Delaware than in California.
  • The average income is about 14% lower in Delaware than in California.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Delaware and California.
  • Delaware has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 13%.
  • Sales taxes are 100% lower in Delaware than in California.
  • Income taxes are 50% lower in Delaware than in California.

How does life in Delaware differ from California?

Delaware California
Population 1,018,396 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 59-40 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 87ºF 87ºF
Winter low 25ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 45" 22"
Annual snow 13" 7"
Crime index 23.64 27.88
  • The population of Delaware is approximately 97% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Delaware voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Delaware is 87ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Delaware reaches the temperature of 25ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-five inches of annual rainfall in Delaware versus twenty-two inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Delaware, it snows about thirteen inches annually versus seven inches of snow in California.
  • Delaware has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 23.64.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Delaware

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California versus Delaware side by side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Delaware
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational opportunities
Pleasant weather High-quality healthcare
Abundant recreational options Ample economic opportunity
High quality of life Beautiful beaches
Fresh and healthy foods Rich culture

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Delaware

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Delaware.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Delaware
High cost of living Hurricanes
Heavy tax burdens High crime rate
Natural disasters Overcrowding
Terrible traffic High cost of living
Strange laws Limited public transportation

What to know before your move to Delaware

  • Weather: Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
  • 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: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Delaware moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Delaware 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 Delaware. 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. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Delaware

While you’re in Delaware, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 1: Dover International Speedway
  • 2: Hagley Museum and Library
  • 3: Air Mobility Command Museum
  • 4: Rehoboth Beach
  • 5: Brandywine Zoo
  • 6: Nemours Mansion and Gardens
  • 7: Cape May-Lewes Ferry
  • 8: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
  • 9: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
  • 10: Jungle Jim's - River Safari Water Park
  • 11: John Dickinson Plantation
  • 12: Brandywine Creek State Park
  • 13: The Nanticoke Indian Museum
  • 14: Delaware’s Old State House
  • 15: Delaware Art Museum
  • 16: Funland
  • 17: Cape Henlopen State Park
  • 18: Bethany Beach
  • 19: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
  • 20: Fort Delaware State Park
  • 21: Delaware Children’s Museum
  • 22: Lums Pond State Park
  • 23: Biggs Museum of American Art
  • 24: DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
  • cultural Museum and Village

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Delaware?

The cheapest way to move from California to Delaware 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 California to Delaware?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Delaware are the amazing upsides of living in Delaware such as bountiful recreational opportunities and high-quality healthcare.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Delaware?

It is generally cheaper to live in Delaware than in California. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in Delaware, with average rent about 28% less and home prices 49.7% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Delaware, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

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

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Delaware you live For example, larger cities like Bear and Brookside will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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