Best California to DC Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,799 mile CA to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 310 California to DC moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to DC. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to DC Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Mic's Moving | 9.59 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to DC
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,799 miles from California to DC will cost on average $4,161 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to DC move is roughly $10,062. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in DC as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,789 | 300 ft³ | 9.30 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,161 | 450 ft³ | 9.25 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,898 | 750 ft³ | 9.20 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,062 | 1100 ft³ | 9.15 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,556 | 1600 ft³ | 9.10 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,286 | 1800 ft³ | 9.05 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to California guide.
Popular California to DC Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from California to DC
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular California to DC Moving Routes
- Los Angeles to Washington DC
- San Diego to Washington DC
- San Jose to Washington DC
- San Francisco to Washington DC
- Fresno to Washington DC
- Sacramento to Washington DC
- Long Beach to Washington DC
- Oakland to Washington DC
- Bakersfield to Washington DC
- Anaheim to Washington DC
- Santa Ana to Washington DC
- Riverside to Washington DC
Compare the 6 Best CA to DC Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw
Washington DC, DC, 20011
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to DC
Moving across the country is no small feat, and doing so from California to Washington D.C. presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection highlighting the contrast between California and DC through carefully curated charts, ensuring you have a clear view of what to expect from such a relocation.
California- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Wildfire risks
- Water scarcity
DC- More affordable housing
- Efficient public transit
- No natural disaster threats
- Ample water resources
DC- Fewer natural landscapes
- Harsh winters
- More indoor living
- Narrower cultural scope
California- Beautiful beaches
- Mild winters
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Diverse culture
When comparing the lifestyle of California with that of DC, certain aspects stand out. In California, the ability to visit places like Venice Beach or hiking in Runyon Canyon Park virtually year-round promotes a dynamic outdoor lifestyle, which might be missed upon moving. However, DC counters with its own charms, such as the historical significance and beauty of landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the vibrant energy of neighborhoods like Georgetown, renowned for its boutique shops and waterfront dining. Furthermore, DC’s public transportation system is heralded for its efficiency, a big leap from California's infamous traffic jams. The Smithsonian museums, omnipresent green spaces like Rock Creek Park, and the bustling streets of Adams Morgan with eclectic restaurants such as Tail Up Goat add richness to everyday living in the nation's capital.
California vs. DC Food Guide
When considering a move, it's not just the scenery and job opportunities that change, but also the culinary landscape. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & DC , aimed at giving you a taste of the food scene in your new home so you can immerse yourself in the local culture through its flavors.
| California | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Half-Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip Steak | Mumbo Sauce Wings |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Jumbo Slice |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegetable Curry |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the food scene is as diverse as its landscape, featuring everything from fresh seafood to pioneering vegan cuisine. The streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco are bursting with food trucks offering a wide range of tacos, showcasing the state's strong Mexican influence. High-end dining experiences can be found in restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, which emphasizes farm-to-table dining, or The French Laundry in Yountville, known for its French cuisine. On the other hand, DC is famed for its historical eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, which offers a taste of the city's unique culinary staple, the Half-Smoke. The food truck scene around areas like Capitol Hill and Dupont Circle offers an eclectic mix of international flavors, reflecting the city's diverse population.
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California vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate differences between California and DC is crucial. These insights can significantly impact your decision, especially when considering aspects such as housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle. Let's delve into how these two locations compare to assist you in making an informed choice.
| Comparison | California | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish | Federal, Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Outdoor space, Ocean view | Historic details, Proximity to metro |
In comparing the real estate landscapes of California and DC, the variance in architecture and urban lifestyle becomes apparent. California's housing market often emphasizes modern and Spanish architectural styles, along with the luxury of outdoor spaces and ocean views. This reflects the state's diverse cultural background and its natural beauty. In contrast, DC's real estate boasts historical significance, with Federal and Victorian styles dominating the scene, highlighting the city's rich history. The higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores in DC underscore its compact, efficient layout, which contrasts with California's more sprawling urban spaces. The slight difference in median home prices and rents also illustrates the premium placed on living in these sought-after locations, making these factors crucial in your decision-making process.
California vs. DC Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather compares between California and DC is essential. This comparison will give you a clear idea of what to expect and how the change might affect your daily life and seasonal preparations.
California
DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies widely | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Blizzards, Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from the sunshine-laden landscapes of California to the distinct seasons of DC can bring noticeable changes to your wardrobe and leisure activities. California offers more sunny days and milder winters, which makes outdoor activities feasible year-round. On the other hand, DC experiences a higher number of cloudy days, significantly colder winters, and a greater variation in humidity, affecting everything from outdoor sports to how you might manage seasonal allergies. Adjusting to the higher annual rainfall and experiencing snowfall in DC will also be a change, potentially requiring new routines and preparations.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to DC
When contemplating a move, especially from California to DC, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This comparison aims to simplify the financial transitions you'll face, outlining the differences in living costs, taxes, and more, so you can plan accordingly.
| Comparison | California | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $101,027 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 4 - 8.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Government, Professional Services, Tourism |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
While both California and DC have reputations for high living costs, certain nuances differentiate them. DC's average household income is notably higher, which can be partly attributed to the prominence of high-paying government and professional service jobs. However, the cost of living index is also higher in DC, indicating that these higher incomes are somewhat offset by the cost of housing, goods, and services. Income tax rates vary significantly, with California's progressive system peaking at 13.3% for the highest earners, whereas DC caps out at 8.95%. This can impact your disposable income based on your earnings bracket. Sales tax in DC is noticeably lower, potentially making everyday purchases a bit more budget-friendly. Understanding these financial nuances can help you better prepare for the transition between these two dynamic locations.
California vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from California to DC, it’s essential to understand how the two places differ in terms of the politics between California & DC and their residents' beliefs. This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscape you're transitioning into.
| California | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Majority Democratic | Overwhelmingly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Liberal on social issues | Very progressive on social issues |
| Religion | Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious residents | Highly diverse, but with a strong presence of non-religious individuals |
In both California and DC, you'll find a liberal and progressive stance on many social issues, though DC tends to lean even more to the left than California, reflecting in its local politics and legislation. The political engagement in DC is high, partly due to its status as the nation's capital and the concentration of politically active individuals. On the religious front, both regions host a diverse range of beliefs but share a significant proportion of residents identifying as non-religious. This similarity suggests that regardless of your faith, or lack thereof, you're likely to find a community where your beliefs or perspectives are shared or, at the very least, welcomed.
Education Guide When Moving from California to DC
Moving from California to DC offers you a new landscape of educational opportunities for your family. To help you navigate this transition, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and DC . This guide will give you a clearer insight into the educational landscape, ensuring you make informed decisions for your children's future.
| California | DC |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordGeorgetown University George Washington University American University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes) Millbrook Elementary (San Jose) Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)Janney Elementary (Washington) Lafayette Elementary (Washington) Mann Elementary (Washington) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Miller Middle (San Jose) Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego) Diablo Vista Middle (Danville)Deal Middle School (Washington) Hardy Middle School (Washington) Eliot-Hine Middle School (Washington) | |
Top 3 High School Schools California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Whitney High School (Cerritos)Benjamin Banneker Academic High School (Washington) School Without Walls High School (Washington) McKinley Technology High School (Washington) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Phillips Academy (Andover) The College Preparatory School (Oakland)Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda) Sidwell Friends School (Washington) Maret School (Washington) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The Webb Schools (Claremont)St. Albans School (Washington) National Cathedral School (Washington) Sidwell Friends School (Washington) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Marino Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District Arcadia Unified School DistrictDC Public Schools (only one district in DC) | |
Examining the chart above, you'll notice significant differences between the educational systems of California and DC. For instance, the most notable distinction lies in their top-ranking high schools, where California's options like the California Academy of Mathematics and Science focus on specific educational focuses compared to DC's broader academic offerings like Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. Additionally, while California provides a wide array of highly-rated school districts, DC operates within a singular, unified district, which might offer a more cohesive educational approach but with fewer options. This contrast underlines the importance of understanding each area's educational landscape to find the best fit for your family's needs.
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