($1,147) Movers From California to Seattle
Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Seattle, WA averages from $700 to $5,987 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Seattle, WA to California guide.
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Moving from California to Seattle, WA resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Seattle, WA.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best California to Seattle, WA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Seattle, WA.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Seattle, WA car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.
Moving 945 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Seattle, WA moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Seattle 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 Seattle.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.
What is the average cost to move from California to Seattle, WA?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Seattle for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Size of the Move | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,147 - $4,719 | $817 - $1,910 | $593 - $1,204 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,423 - $5,987 | $1,496 - $2,965 | $700 - $1,459 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,226 - $7,834 | $1,956 - $3,815 | $828 - $1,756 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 945 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from California to Seattle, WA will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Seattle?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Seattle will cost between $1,147 to $4,719. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Seattle will range from $2,423 to $5,987, and a large move from California to Seattle will cost from $4,226 to $7,834.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Seattle?
Moving containers from California to Seattle will cost you $817 to $1,910 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,496 to $2,965. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,956 to $3,815.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Seattle.
How much is a moving truck from California to Seattle?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Seattle, 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 $593 to $1,204. A larger move will cost $700 to $1,459, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Seattle costs from $828 to $1,756. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.
Is moving from California to Seattle, WA a good idea?
Cost of living: California vs Seattle, WA
| California | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $2,000 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $824,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $75,156 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 5% |
| State income tax | 13% | 0% |
Seattle sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 8% more expensive in Seattle than in California.
- Home prices are about 7% higher in Seattle than in California.
- The average income is about 18% lower in Seattle than in California.
- Seattle has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 11%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Seattle than in California.
How is life different in Seattle from California?
| Seattle | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 75-22 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 76ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 7" |
| Crime index | 59.09 | 28.43 |
Seattle sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Seattle is approximately 98% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Seattle voted Democrat and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Seattle is 76ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Seattle reaches the temperature of 36ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Seattle vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Seattle, it snows about 5 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Seattle has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 59.09 vs 28.43.
Considerations for moving to Seattle, WA
- Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
- 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 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Washington 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351 (209) 551-7772 |
| Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
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4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722 (559) 785-0316 |
| House to Home Moving | Get A Quote |
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8974 Greenback Ln, Orangevale, CA, 95662 (916) 484-1144 |
Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Seattle, WA:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Seattle side-by-side.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Beautiful nature |
| Pleasant weather | Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant recreational options | Safe |
| High quality of life | Delicious seafood |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Seattle, WA:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Seattle.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Heavy tax burdens | Rainy weather |
| Natural disasters | Xenophobic residents |
| Terrible traffic | Terrible traffic |
| Strange laws | Expensive housing market |
Need a local Seattle mover?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
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most popular
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1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA, 98119 (206) 971-6895 |
| Seattle Movers | Get A Quote |
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521 S Monroe St., Seattle, WA, 98108 (206) 284-9445 |
| Access Gentle Moving | Get A Quote |
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11900 NE 1st St, Bellevue, WA, 98005 (425) 830-5286 |
Visit our best movers in Seattle page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Seattle?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Seattle.
Museums in Seattle
- Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- National Nordic Museum
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
- Museum of History and Industry
- Wing Luke Museum
- Seattle Pinball Museum
- Frye Art Museum
- Cascadia Art Museum
- Northwest African American Museum
Parks in Seattle
- Discovery Park
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Green Lake Park
- Carkeek Park
- Washington Park Arboretum
- Gas Works Park
- Seward Park
- Kubota Garden
- Kerry Park
- Magnuson Park
- Volunteer Park
- Viretta Park
Sports Teams in Seattle
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
- Seattle Dragons (XFL)
- Seattle Storm (WNBA)
Universities in Seattle
- University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- City University of Seattle
- Antioch University Seattle
- Cornish College of the Arts
- The Art Institute of Seattle
- Gage Academy of Art and the School of Visual Concepts
- Seattle Central College
- Northeastern University
FAQs
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Seattle?
Because of the 945-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Seattle as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Seattle, WA?
With the summer highs of 76ºF and the winter lows of 36ºF, most people move to Seattle from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Seattle during summer or winter.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Seattle?
Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Seattle.
