Best Movers from New York to California (2025 Cost Data)
Quick answer: Moving from New York to California usually costs between $2,062 and $9,170, with most moves taking about seven–21 days. Your actual price will depend on the size of your home, the time of your move, and whether you hire pros or go the DIY route.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to New York guide.
Our track record
The best New York to California full-service movers
Heading from New York to California? With so many moving companies out there, finding the perfect interstate mover can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you, narrowing down the top picks based on positive customer reviews, transparent pricing, and standout services.
Kick off your move to California with these leading long-distance moving companies that serve New York.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in New York
With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in New York, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Men On The Move: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 623
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 125550
Mabey's Moving & Storage has been serving the Rensselaer, NY area with local residential moving services since 1958, establishing a solid reputation in the community. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an average Google rating of 4.8 from 325 reviews, they stand out among nearby movers for their reliability and customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, they offer comprehensive services, including packing and unpacking, without requiring a deposit upfront, making the moving process seamless for their clients. Though their Yelp reviews are more mixed, their long-standing presence and high customer ratings make them a trusted choice for local relocations.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3319338
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Hauppauge, NY since 2013, stands out among local moving companies with a broad range of services including residential and office moves, as well as packing and unpacking services. Unlike many competitors, they require no deposit and accept credit cards, making the booking process straightforward. Their consumer reputation is strong, with an average rating of 4.9 on Google My Business based on 1371 reviews, although Yelp reviews are slightly more mixed with a 3.8 average from 163 reviewers. While their BBB rating is a B-, their overall excellent service underscores their reliability in the local moving market.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 40244
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3066988
Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around New York, NY, setting itself apart from competitors with its reliability and efficiency. Since 2019, this company has garnered a stellar reputation, boasting an impressive 4.7 average rating on Yelp from 1,580 reviews and a 4.8 average rating on Google from 3,214 reviews. They also hold a BBB rating of A-, underscoring their commitment to customer satisfaction. In addition to local moves, their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and specialty moves for pianos, art, and antiques. Customers appreciate that they accept credit cards, although a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 11671
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 526079
Alternate Names: Men On The Move Self Storage Company, Inc.
Men On The Move, serving Woodbury, NY since 1988, specializes in local residential moving services and has cultivated a reputation for reliability and professionalism. They also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. Highly regarded by customers, Men On The Move boasts an impressive 4.0 average rating from 228 Yelp reviews and a near-perfect 4.9 rating from 68 Google reviews, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide full valuation insurance coverage, offering additional peace of mind to those entrusting them with valuable items like pianos, art, and antiques.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Roadway Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around New York, NY. In comparison to other nearby moving companies, Roadway Moving stands out with a remarkable reputation backed by an average Yelp rating of 4.6 from 447 reviews and a Google My Business rating of 4.9 from 1590 reviews. Additionally, they hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company not only excels in local moves but also provides packing and unpacking services, office moving, and even labor-only services. With no deposit required and an acceptance of credit cards, Roadway Moving promises a seamless and reliable moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best New York to California moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in New York and drops it off at your new home in California.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best New York to California moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from New York to California, 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:
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The best New York to California labor-only movers
Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.
When you’re getting ready to move from New York to California, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to CA move
How much does it cost to move from New York to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from New York to California with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,530 - $6,454 | $1,831 - $4,659 | $2,004 - $3,694 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,614 - $9,170 | $3,119 - $6,664 | $2,062 - $4,768 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,165 - $14,494 | $4,308 - $9,193 | $2,745 - $5,399 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,914 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 New York to California
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York to California, you can expect to spend between $1,530 and $6,454. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,614 to $9,170 on the same route (NY to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New York to California typically runs between $8,165 and $14,494.
Cost of moving containers from New York to California
Moving from New York to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,831 and $4,659. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,119 to $6,664. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,308 up to $9,193. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $2,004 and $3,694. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,062 to $4,768. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,745 and $5,399.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to CA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from New York to California. Here’s what might influence your total price:
- Move size: Bigger homes cost more to move than small studios.
- Time of year: Rates go up during summer, the peak moving season in New York.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Moving yourself is more affordable, but letting professionals handle the move saves you time and effort.
What to know before moving from NY to CA
If you’re moving from New York to California, take a moment to see how your new state compares to your current one.
Cost of living: New York vs. California
Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in New York and California. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:
| New York | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,507 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.52% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 10.9% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 23% higher in California than in New York. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in California to be about 60% more than what you'll find in New York.
- Good news—you can expect to earn about 13% more in California than in New York. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
- Moving to California means you’ll be paying 34% more than you did in New York. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
- Unemployment in California is roughly 23% higher than in New York. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
- Sales taxes are 2% higher in California than in New York. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes in California are 22% higher than in New York. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in California vs. New York
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live. It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture, and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how life in California stacks up against New York across important lifestyle factors:
| California | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 62" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 21.51 |
- The population of California is approximately 99% greater than the population of New York. With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
- In the last presidential election, both New York and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF. A hotter summer climate can offer more sunshine and outdoor opportunities, but it may take some getting used to and cost more to stay cool, especially if you’re used to milder weather.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF while New York gets down to 16ºF. A move to California with milder winters offers greater day-to-day convenience, lower costs, and more freedom to explore outdoors. It’s a great fit for those who prefer sun over snow and fewer weather-related interruptions.
- You can expect only about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 44 inches of rainfall in New York. Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
- In California, it only snows about 7 inches annually while New York gets 62 inches of snow. Moving to California, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles, making it a great fit for those seeking a milder winter climate.
- California has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 21.51. A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of New York vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to New York.
| Pros of living in New York | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Arts | Pleasant weather |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant recreational options |
| Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities | High quality of life |
| Distinct seasons | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. California
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from New York to California.
| Cons of living in New York | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High tax burden | High cost of living |
| Rough winter weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| High cost of living | Natural disasters |
| Poor quality healthcare | Terrible traffic |
| Populous | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your New York to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in California
Get ready to discover all that California has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
