Best Movers From California to Washington (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from California to Washington, you’ll likely pay between $2,291–$5,477 with professional movers, roughly
$2,185 for a moving container, and about
$997
for a rental truck.
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$1,144 — $5,477 Top local mover
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$1,144 — $8,031 Top long-distance mover
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$758 — $3,621 Top container company
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$646 — $1,699 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Washington
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from California to Washington.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Washington
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 03, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 02, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 04, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 16, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 04, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Washington?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,144 – $4,419 | $758 – $1,884 | $646 – $1,106 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,291 – $5,477 | $1,445 – $2,926 | $638 – $1,356 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,987 – $8,031 | $1,852 – $3,621 | $799 – $1,699 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,144 – $4,419
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,291 – $5,477
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,987 – $8,031
How much do moving containers cost from California to Washington?
- Small move: $758 – $1,884
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,445 – $2,926
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,852 – $3,621
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $646 – $1,106
- 2–3 bedrooms: $638 – $1,356
- 4+ bedrooms: $799 – $1,699
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 955-mile move from CA to WA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to WA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $90,325 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Washington?
Rent is about the same in California and Washington.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,900
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 24% lower in Washington than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $588,856
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in California and Washington.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $90,325
Is the overall cost of living higher in Washington?
The cost of living is 14% lower in Washington than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 115
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 25% lower in Washington than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.5%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Washington has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Washington compared to California?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Washington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 18″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 28.43 |
Will Washington feel more crowded than California?
Washington is about 80% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and Washington voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Washington is cooler on average (79°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Washington is colder on average (31°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Washington?
Rain: Washington gets more rain (38″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Washington gets more snow (18 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Washington safer than California?
Washington has a higher crime index than California (37.32 vs. 28.43). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Washington?
Museums in Washington
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The Museum of Flight
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Washington move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Washington, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Washington?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Washington?
Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Washington moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Washington?
You don’t need a moving permit in Washington.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular California routes
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