Best California to Maryland Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Maryland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,816 mile CA to MD move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 373 California to Maryland 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 Maryland. 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 Maryland Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | AT Movers | 9.64 | 9.76 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 3 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | AJ Moving Services LLC | 9.56 | 9.5 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Maryland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,816 miles from California to Maryland will cost on average $4,176 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to MD move is roughly $10,098. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,799 | 300 ft³ | 9.33 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,176 | 450 ft³ | 9.28 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,922 | 750 ft³ | 9.23 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,098 | 1100 ft³ | 9.18 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,608 | 1600 ft³ | 9.13 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,344 | 1800 ft³ | 9.08 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Maryland to California guide.
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Compare the 6 Best CA to MD 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) |
AT Movers
This listing has been claimed by AT Movers9336 Reach Rd
Potomac, MD, 20854
About AT Movers
AT Movers is a moving company based in Potomac, with business hours from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 AM and 8:00...
Services
- Wrapping, stocking, and relocation
- Assembling the uplift desks
- The protection of the valuable frames and pictures
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3455533 / 1126253 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
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) |
AJ Moving Services LLC
12905 Falling Water Cir Apt T3
Germantown, MD, 20874
About AJ Moving Services LLC
AJ Moving Services LLC, based in Frederick, MD, has been providing a broad range of moving solutions for both residential and...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Move
- Office Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3866515 / 1414221 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 17,000 (2023) |
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 Maryland
Moving from one state to another is a significant change that comes with its set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from California to Maryland, detailing both the negative and positive aspects of such a transition. By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, this comparison will help you make an informed decision about your relocation.
California- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Wildfire risk
- Earthquake risk
Maryland- Lower living costs
- Less traffic congestion
- Seasonal weather
- Safer natural environment
Maryland- Smaller cities
- Far from ocean
- Less diversity
- Fewer tech opportunities
California- Vibrant cities
- Beautiful beaches
- Diverse cultures
- Innovative tech scene
The transition from California’s vast beaches and innovative tech scene to Maryland's diverse seasons and historical landmarks can be both a challenge and an adventure. While you may miss the sprawling beaches of California, Maryland offers picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay and a plethora of water-based activities. Cities like Annapolis, known for its rich history and vibrant sailing scene, provide a different but equally enriching cultural experience. Baltimore's renowned Inner Harbor and the multitude of National Aquarium visits offer unique learning opportunities and entertainment for all ages. The transition might mean swapping Silicon Valley’s tech hubs for Maryland’s burgeoning biotech sector, centered around cities like Rockville and Gaithersburg. Despite the smaller scale, the innovation and job opportunities in Maryland are significant, especially in the fields of biotechnology and healthcare. Moving to Maryland allows you to explore a landscape filled with historic towns, vibrant community parks like Patterson Park, and a rich assortment of restaurants, such as those found in Silver Spring’s culinary scene.
California vs. Maryland Food Guide
When it comes to relocating, immersing yourself in the local culture is essential, and nothing spells culture like the local food scene. In this light, we have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Maryland to give you a better insight into what culinary delights await you in your new home.
| California | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Blue Crab |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip Steak | Crab Cakes |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Steamed Crabs |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegetable Crab Soup |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
California is renowned for its diverse and innovative culinary landscape. In the Golden State, you'll find iconic dishes like the sourdough bread of San Francisco and tri-tip steak, a testament to the state's rich ranching history. The street food scene is highlighted by fish tacos, reflecting the coastal influence on the cuisine. Vegan-friendly options like avocado toast are abundant, especially in health-conscious cities like Los Angeles. On the other hand, Maryland boasts its legendary blue crabs, offering an array of dishes from steamed crabs to savory crab cakes. The state's culinary scene shines with seafood, particularly in iconic Baltimore establishments such as Faidley Seafood. Whether you're dining in trendy Californian restaurants or enjoying the waterfront views at a Maryland seafood spot, each state offers a unique taste of its local culture.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Maryland Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate market comparison between California and Maryland is crucial. This will not only influence your living expenses but also affect your lifestyle. Let’s dive into how these states compare when it comes to housing.
| Comparison | California | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish | Colonial, Cape Cod |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Pool, Outdoor Kitchen | Waterfront, Historic Features |
In comparing housing between California and Maryland, significant differences emerge beyond just the numbers. California’s higher median home price reflects its sought-after locations and luxury amenities, such as pools and outdoor kitchens that cater to the state's warm climate. In contrast, Maryland, with its rich history, boasts more traditional homes featuring waterfront views and historic features. This not only gives insight into the architectural styles you’re likely to encounter but also hints at the lifestyle each state offers. Moreover, while California provides an unrivaled urban lifestyle score, due in part to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Maryland counters with stronger walkability and bikeability, emphasizing its community-oriented environments and accessible city centers.
California vs. Maryland Weather Considerations
Moving between states requires adapting to new climates. It's crucial to understand how the weather in California compares to Maryland to ensure you're prepared for the change. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and plan accordingly.
California
Maryland
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Maryland
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Maryland
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Maryland
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable, often poor in cities | Generally good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Hurricanes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In considering your move, it's important to note the significant difference in weather patterns between California and Maryland. Maryland experiences more humidity and a higher average number of rainy days, which can contribute to more pronounced seasonal allergies due to higher pollen and mold counts. The winter season showcases a stark contrast, with Maryland having colder temperatures and more snowfall, demanding a different approach to wardrobe and home heating solutions. Furthermore, each state has its own set of natural disasters to prepare for, with California facing risks from earthquakes and wildfires, while Maryland's concerns include hurricanes and floods. These considerations play a crucial role in preparing for life in a new state.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Maryland
When you're planning a move, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the differences between living in California and Maryland, focusing on essential economic factors, so you can anticipate changes in your cost of living and adapt accordingly.
| Comparison | California | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $94,991 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 124.95 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 2 - 5.75 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 1.09 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56 | 6.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | BioHealth and Life Sciences, Military and Defense, Maritime |
| Affluence | Highly affluent | Very affluent |
| Poverty | More pronounced | Less pronounced |
| Homelessness | Significantly high | Lower |
In comparing California and Maryland, it's clear that while both states boast high levels of affluence, Maryland offers a more affordable cost of living, evidenced by its lower cost of living index and sales tax rates. Likewise, Maryland's average household income is higher, which when paired with its favorable tax structure, from income tax to property tax, presents a potentially more economically comfortable environment for new residents. The differences in the leading industries suggest diverse job market opportunities tailored to different professional backgrounds. Moreover, the comparative analysis of poverty and homelessness rates highlights Maryland as having a less pronounced social disparity, adding another layer of consideration for those moving from California.
California vs. Maryland Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from California to Maryland offers a distinct change in lifestyle, particularly when it comes to the comparison of the politics between California & Maryland and their religious landscapes. This quick snapshot is designed to offer an at-a-glance understanding of the political orientation and religious makeup of residents in both states.
| California | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderate to Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive urban centers with conservative rural areas | Liberal urban centers, mixed suburban, and conservative rural areas |
| Religion | Diverse; Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam | Diverse, predominantly Christian |
In your transition from California to Maryland, you'll find that both states share a Democratic lean, with Maryland often characterized by a somewhat more moderate stance, particularly in its suburban and rural regions. Local politics vary considerably between the two, reflecting their unique cultural and social landscapes. California's urban centers, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, are known for their progressive values, while Maryland's mix of liberal urban centers like Baltimore, alongside its more conservative rural areas, offers a varied political climate. Religion across both states showcases diversity, with California representing an extensive mix of faiths due to its large immigrant population. Maryland, while also diverse, maintains a stronger Christian majority across its populace.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Maryland
Moving from one state to another can bring significant changes, especially when it comes to education. To help you navigate these changes, we'll compare the educational landscapes of California and Maryland to better understand what the comparisons are between school options. This guide aims to make your transition as smooth as possible, providing you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision about your or your children's education.
| California | Maryland |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley USCUniversity of Maryland Johns Hopkins University Towson University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes) Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills) Lincoln Elementary (Corona del Mar)Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac) Folger McKinsey Elementary (Severna Park) Stone Mill Elementary (North Potomac) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael) Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga) Lakeside Middle School (Irvine)Eastern Middle School (Silver Spring) Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda) Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) Torrey Pines High School (San Diego) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda) Winston Churchill High School (Potomac) Poolesville High School (Poolesville) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Harker School (San Jose) Polytechnic School (Pasadena)Gilman School (Baltimore) Holton-Arms School (Bethesda) McDonogh School (Owings Mills) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School (Santa Monica) Chadwick School (Palos Verdes Peninsula)Landon School (Bethesda) Friends School of Baltimore (Baltimore) Severn School (Severna Park) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Marino Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District La Cañada Unified School DistrictHoward County Public Schools Montgomery County Public Schools Frederick County Public Schools | |
In exploring schools from California to Maryland, it's evident that both states offer exceptional educational opportunities across various levels, from elementary to high school. California is known for its prestigious universities and highly rated public school districts, such as the Palo Alto Unified School District. Maryland, with institutions like the Johns Hopkins University and highly regarded public schools like Walt Whitman High School, underscores the importance it places on quality education. Private education also reflects a high standard in both states, with options like the Harvard-Westlake School in California and the Gilman School in Maryland, providing rich academic and extracurricular programs to foster holistic student development. This comparison underscores the robust educational landscapes present in both states, ensuring that regardless of your choice, quality education awaits.
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