Factors influencing moving costs from Plano to California

The cost of Plano movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Plano, 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 hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Plano, TX, to California

If youโ€™re moving to California from Plano, TX, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Plano vs. California

Plano, TX California
Average rent cost $2,100 $1,856
Average home cost $511,000 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $67,874 $91,905
Unemployment rate 5.5% 5.4%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 20% less expensive in California than in Plano.
  • Home prices are about 86.6% higher in California than in Plano.
  • The average income is about 32.9% higher in California than in Plano.
  • California has a lower unemployment rate than Plano by about 2.4%.
  • Income taxes are 13.30% higher in California than in Plano.

How life is different in Plano, TX, from California

Plano, TX California
Population 285,494 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 94ยบF 87ยบF
Winter low 33ยบF 59ยบF
Annual rain 41" 22"
Annual snow 2" 7"
Crime index 23.02 28.43
  • The population of California is approximately 13,571% greater than the population of Plano.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Plano voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ยบ F and in Plano, itโ€™s 94ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ยบ F and Plano gets down to 33ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 41 inches of rainfall in Plano.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 2 inches of snow in Plano.

Comparing the pros of Plano, TX, vs. California:

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

Pros of living in Plano, TX Pros of living in California
Favorable weather Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Pleasant weather
Abundant public transportation Abundant recreational options
Quality education High quality of life
Southern hospitality Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Plano, TX, vs. California:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Plano for California.

Cons of living in Plano, TX Cons of living in California
Terrible traffic High cost of living
Extreme weather Heavy tax burdens
High cost of living Natural disasters
Crowded Terrible traffic
High housing costs Strange laws

Other considerations when moving to California from Plano

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California 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 California. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in California

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in Californiatoggle

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • Mission San Luis Rey
  • Tallac Historic Site
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Parks in Californiatoggle

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Dinosaur Caves Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Serra Cross Park
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Palisades Park
  • Irvine Regional Park

Sports Teams in Californiatoggle

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Universities in Californiatoggle

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of California, Riverside
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University, Northridge

FAQs

How long does a move from Plano to California take?

The time it takes to move from Plano, TX, to California depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Plano to California?

Need to get your car from Plano to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Plano to California car shippers.

Why are people moving from Plano to California?

Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from Plano because of the terrible traffic and extreme weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Plano?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Plano.

Helpful moving resources