($1,321) Moving From California to Missouri

Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Missouri ranges from $1,165 to $7,490 and takes five-sixteen 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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  • Family owned
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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 Missouri separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best California to Missouri movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Missouri 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 Missouri:

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
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(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
At A Glance
  • 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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Most Experienced Mover
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(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

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
3851 Morrow Ln Ste 9, Chico, CA, 95928
(530) 592-0093

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 Missouri?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,321 - $5,177 $1,187 - $2,792 $1,120 - $2,072
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,296 - $7,490 $2,116 - $4,086 $1,165 - $2,616
4+ bedrooms $5,948 - $11,078 $2,892 - $5,384 $1,439 - $3,048

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,844 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 MO

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Missouri will cost between $1,321 and $5,177. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to MO will range from $3,296 to $7,490, and a large move from California to Missouri will cost from $5,948 to $11,078.

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

Moving containers from California to Missouri will cost you $1,187 to $2,792 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,116 to $4,086. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,892 to $5,384. 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 Missouri?

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 $1,120 to $2,072. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,165 to $2,616, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Missouri costs from $1,439 to $3,048.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from California to Missouri a good idea?

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

Cost of living: California vs. Missouri

California Missouri
Average rent cost $1,586 $843
Average home cost $746,055 $235,844
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $65,920
Cost of Living Index 100 88
Unemployment rate 4.8% 3.1%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 8.25%
State Income Tax 13.3% 4.95%
  • Rent is about 47% less expensive in Missouri than in California.
  • Home prices are about 68% lower in Missouri than in California.
  • The average income is about 28% lower in Missouri than in California.
  • Cost of living is 12% lower in Missouri than in California.
  • Missouri has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 35%.
  • Sales taxes are 5% lower in Missouri than in California.
  • Income taxes are 63% lower in Missouri than in California.

How does life in Missouri differ from California?

Missouri California
Population 6,177,957 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 57-41 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 88ºF 87ºF
Winter low 20ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 43" 22"
Annual snow 13" 7"
Crime index 29.13 27.88
  • The population of Missouri is approximately 84% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Missouri voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Missouri is 88ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Missouri reaches the temperature of 20ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-three inches of annual rainfall in Missouri versus twenty-two inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Missouri, it snows about thirteen inches annually versus seven inches of snow in California.
  • Missouri has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 29.13 vs 27.88.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Missouri

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

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Missouri
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Pleasant weather Ample economic opportunity
Abundant recreational options Bountiful recreational opportunities
High quality of life Delicious barbecue
Fresh and healthy foods Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Missouri

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 Missouri.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Missouri
High cost of living Severe weather
Heavy tax burdens High crime rate
Natural disasters Low quality of life
Terrible traffic Low wages
Strange laws Poor healthcare

What to know before your move to Missouri

  • Weather: Although temperature in Missouri doesn't get extreme, being in the heart of tornado alley means that storms in the area are common. Be sure to check the weather forecast before move day to prepare for any upcoming weather.
  • 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 that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Missouri 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 Missouri. 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, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Missouri

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

  • Gateway Arch
  • Saint Louis Zoo
  • Silver Dollar City
  • Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
  • Forest Park
  • Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
  • Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
  • Titanic Museum
  • Jefferson City
  • Worlds of Fun
  • Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
  • Lake of the Ozarks
  • National World War I Museum and Memorial
  • Ha Ha Tonka State Park
  • Onondaga Cave State Park
  • Meramec State Park
  • Talking Rocks Cavern
  • Roaring River State Park
  • Hermann Wine Trail
  • Busch Stadium
  • National Museum of Transportation
  • Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Elephant Rocks State Park
  • J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain
  • Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

FAQs

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

The cheapest way to move from California to Missouri 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 Missouri?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Missouri are the amazing upsides of living in Missouri such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Missouri?

It is generally cheaper to live in Missouri than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Missouri, with average rent about 47% less and home prices 68.4% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Missouri, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.

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

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 Missouri you live For example, larger cities like Affton and Arnold will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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