($1,457) Cost of Moving From California to Massachusetts

Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Massachusetts ranges from $1,866 to $8,906 and takes seven–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.

Professional
$1,457 – $3,991
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$1,546 – $2,548
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$1,391 – $2,363
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$1,623 – $3,086
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

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

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The best California to Massachusetts full-service movers

Moving from California to Massachusetts? 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 California for your Massachusetts relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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 California to Massachusetts 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 California and drop it off at your new home in Massachusetts.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best California to Massachusetts moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Massachusetts, 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:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best California to Massachusetts 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 California to Massachusetts:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

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

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 280 California 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 California to Massachusetts?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,457 - $6,390 $1,546 - $3,746 $1,623 - $3,214
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,479 - $8,906 $2,581 - $5,577 $1,866 - $3,749
4+ bedrooms $8,592 - $13,935 $3,676 - $7,320 $2,268 - $4,509

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 3,095 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 California to Massachusettstoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Massachusetts will cost between $1,457 and $6,390. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to MA will range from $4,479 to $8,906, and a large move from California to Massachusetts will cost from $8,592 to $13,935.

Cost of moving containers from California to Massachusettstoggle

Moving containers from California to Massachusetts will cost you $1,546 to $3,746 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,581 to $5,577. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,676 to $7,320. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Massachusettstoggle

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 $1,623 to $3,214. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,866 to $3,749, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Massachusetts costs from $2,268 to $4,509.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to MA

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

What to know before moving from CA to MA

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

Cost of living: California vs. Massachusetts

California Massachusetts
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,588
Average home cost $771,057 $623,131
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $96,505
Cost of Living Index 134 100
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.9%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 6.25%
State Income Tax 13.3% 9.0%
  • Rent is about 14% less expensive in Massachusetts than in California.
  • Home prices are about 19% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
  • The average income is about 5% higher in Massachusetts than in California.
  • Cost of living is 25% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
  • Massachusetts has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 28%.
  • Sales taxes are 28% lower in Massachusetts than in California.
  • Income taxes are 32% lower in Massachusetts than in California.

How life is different in Massachusetts vs. California

Massachusetts California
Population 7,001,399 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 61.5-36.3 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 82ºF 87ºF
Winter low 16ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 49" 22"
Annual snow 47" 7"
Crime index 13.92 28.43
  • The population of Massachusetts is approximately 82% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Massachusetts voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Massachusetts is 82ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Massachusetts reaches the temperature of 16ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 49 inches of annual rainfall in Massachusetts versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Massachusetts, it snows about 47 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Massachusetts has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 13.92 vs. 28.43.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Massachusetts

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

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Massachusetts
Ample economic opportunity Natural beauty
Pleasant weather Excellent education system
Abundant recreational options Delicious seafood
High quality of life Bountiful recreational opportunities
Fresh and healthy foods Home to Boston

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Massachusetts

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 California for Massachusetts.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Massachusetts
High cost of living Bad traffic
Heavy tax burdens Poor driving conditions
Natural disasters Harsh winter weather
Terrible traffic High cost of living
Strange laws Peculiar liquor laws

Other things to consider for your California to Massachusetts movetoggle

  • Weather: Most of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Far southeast coastal areas are the broad transition zone to Humid Subtropical climates. The warm to hot summers render the oceanic climate rare in this transition, only applying to exposed coastal areas such as on the peninsula of Barnstable County. The climate of Boston is quite representative for the commonwealth, characterized by summer highs of around 81 °F (27 °C) and winter highs of 35 °F (2 °C), and is quite wet. Frosts are frequent all winter, even in coastal areas due to prevailing inland winds. Due to its location near the Atlantic, Massachusetts is vulnerable to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
  • 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. 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. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Massachusettstoggle

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

  • 1: Freedom Trail
  • 2: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  • 3: Norman Rockwell Museum
  • 4: Cape Cod Beaches
  • 5: Fenway Park
  • 6: Nantucket
  • 7: Tanglewood Concerts
  • 8: Plimoth Patuxet Museums
  • 9: Old Sturbridge Village
  • 10: Salem Witch Museum
  • 11: Museum of Fine Arts
  • 12: Peabody Essex Museum
  • 13: The House of the Seven Gables
  • 14: New Bedford Whaling Museum
  • 15: New England Aquarium
  • 16: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  • 17: Massachusetts State House
  • 18: Harvard Square
  • 19: Bunker Hill Monument
  • 20: Adams National Historical Park
  • 21: Minute Man National Historical Park
  • 22: Martha’s Vineyard
  • 23: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • 24: Hammond Castle Museum
  • 25: Mount Greylock
  • 26: Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
  • 27: The Mapparium
  • 28: Danvers State Hospital
  • 29: Bash Bish Falls
  • 30: Singing Beach

FAQs

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

Hiring a full-service California 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 California to Massachusetts?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 California to Massachusetts separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from California to Massachusetts are the amazing upsides of living in Massachusetts such as natural beauty and excellent education system.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Massachusetts?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Massachusetts than in California. Housing is more affordable in Massachusetts, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 19.2% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Massachusetts, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by California residents.

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

You should make approximately $44,606 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Massachusetts. The cost of living in Massachusetts is approximately $730 per month for an individual and $2,666 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Massachusetts you live For example, larger cities like Boston and Worcester will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources