Best California to New Jersey Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from California to New Jersey and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,922 mile CA to NJ move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 423 California to New Jersey 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 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to New Jersey. 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.

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Best California to New Jersey Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHGContact
4Big G Movers, INC9.539.6Authorized For HHGContact
5Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
6Cimply Labor, LLC9.389.6Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from California to New Jersey

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,922 miles from California to New Jersey will cost on average $4,266 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to NJ move is roughly $10,318. 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,859300 ft³9.53
1 Bedroom$4,266450 ft³9.48
2 Bedrooms$7,073750 ft³9.43
3 Bedrooms$10,3181100 ft³9.38
4 Bedrooms$14,9281600 ft³9.33
5+ Bedrooms$16,7041800 ft³9.28
*Please note: These California to New Jersey moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & New Jersey. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to NJ mover.
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Compare the 6 Best CA to NJ Movers

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OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Big G Movers, INC Logo

Big G Movers, INC

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 1,636+ data points

26 Oliver St Suite 001

Metuchen, NJ, 08840

About Big G Movers, INC

Located in Metuchen, Big G Movers is one of the top-rated hometown movers in New Jersey. This family-owned and operated business...

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • East Coast Long Distance Moving
  • Office & Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2358159 / 807903

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved19,500 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Cimply Labor, LLC Logo

Cimply Labor, LLC

Exceptional9.38/10
based on 1,172+ data points

117 New Jersey 35 Stes 6, 7 & 8

Keyport, NJ, 07735

About Cimply Labor, LLC

Cimply Labor, LLC is a moving company based in New Jersey that aims to make the moving process simple and easy...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2988167 / 68577

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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 New Jersey

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision filled with both excitement and uncertainty. This comparison aims to boldly reflect the changes between California and New Jersey by showcasing the various pros and cons associated with this transition. Our charts are designed to not only highlight the obvious changes but also to delve into the subtleties of everyday living in these distinct environments.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Wildfire risks
  • Drought concerns
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • More affordable housing
  • Smaller traffic issues
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Better water availability
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Colder winters
  • Denser population
  • Fewer beaches
  • Less tech-centric
California iconCalifornia
  • Sunny weather
  • Vibrant cities
  • Beaches
  • Tech job hub

In California, the captivating allure of sunny beaches, vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a booming tech industry often comes with the caveat of exceedingly high living costs and the looming threat of wildfires. Transitioning to New Jersey, you might find solace in the charm of quieter suburbs, more affordable living, and the distinct seasons that grace the region. Areas like Princeton offer a blend of historical sights and educational excellence, while the Jersey Shore provides a coastal retreat albeit less vast than California's expansive beaches. New Jersey's dining scene, with gems such as Jersey Bites in various locales, promises an exploration of flavors that cater to a diverse palette. Moreover, the reduced traffic congestion and fewer natural disasters paint a serene backdrop for daily life, although one must brace for the brisk Northeastern winters.

California vs. New Jersey Food Guide

Food deeply enriches local culture and the living experience in any area. That's why, in this guide, we're offering a comparison of the local cuisine between California & New Jersey . This side-by-side look will help you understand the food scene in both states, preparing you for a flavorful transition.

CaliforniaNew Jersey
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastTaylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQPork Roll
Most popular street food itemFish TacosItalian Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, you'll find an eclectic mix of flavors with a heavy emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are renowned for their vibrant foodie scenes, where you can journey from savoring fish tacos by the beach to dining at top-tier establishments like The French Laundry in Napa Valley. On the other hand, New Jersey offers a hearty and comforting food scene, with classics like the Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich and Pork Roll reflecting the state's rich diner culture. Towns like Hoboken are home to gems like Carlo's Bakery, where traditional and modern desserts alike draw crowds. Whether you're craving a vegan slice in Jersey City or longing for an acai bowl along California's coast, both states cater to a wide array of dietary preferences and tastes.

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California vs. New Jersey Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects between California and New Jersey is crucial in making the best decision for your needs. This comparison will highlight the differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to aid in your relocation process.

ComparisonCaliforniaNew Jersey
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEco-friendly features, Outdoor living spacesProximity to public transit, Historic details

The contrasting real estate market between California and New Jersey offers a unique perspective on what each state has to offer. California's high median home price reflects its thriving economy and desirable weather, making it a popular choice despite the higher cost of living. Its architecture leans towards modern and Spanish styles, with an emphasis on eco-friendly features and outdoor living spaces. New Jersey, known for its Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes, offers more affordable housing options and places a higher value on proximity to public transit and historic details. Both states offer different lifestyles, with California scoring higher in urban lifestyle due to its vibrant cities and New Jersey providing a balance between urban convenience and suburban calm. Choosing between these states depends on your priority for style, affordability, or lifestyle.

California vs. New Jersey Weather Considerations

If you're contemplating a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how the weather patterns in California and New Jersey will influence your daily life. This comparative guide aims to highlight the key weather aspects to expect, ensuring you are well-prepared for the shift from the Golden State's shores to the Garden State's seasons.

Summer icon
85/57

California

85/66

New Jersey

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60/41

California

40/25

New Jersey

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

47

New Jersey

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
7

California

23

New Jersey

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaNew Jersey
Air QualityVariable; urban vs. ruralGenerally Good
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Nor'easters
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from California's relatively stable climate to New Jersey's distinct seasons means you'll need to adapt to a broader range of temperatures and weather conditions. New Jersey experiences a more pronounced winter, with significantly more snowfall and lower average winter temperatures than California. Moreover, the higher humidity and annual rainfall in New Jersey might require adjustments in your daily routine and home maintenance, especially during the wetter months. Familiarizing yourself with these differences will aid in a smoother transition to your new environment.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to New Jersey

When considering a move from one region to another, comprehending the financial landscape of your new home is key. This comparison will shed light on the economic distinctions between California and New Jersey, delving into essential aspects such as income, taxes, and cost of living, to provide a clearer understanding of what to expect.

ComparisonCaliforniaNew Jersey
Avg. Household Income$91,551$96,346
Cost of Living Index136.4129.7
State Income Tax1 - 13.31.4 - 10.75
Avg. Property Tax0.732.47
Avg. Sales Tax8.566.6
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentPharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology
AffluenceHighVery High
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from California to New Jersey, you'll find significant differences in the economic climate. While New Jersey boasts a higher average household income, it also carries one of the nation's highest property taxes, something to consider if you're planning to buy a home. The cost of living is generally lower in New Jersey compared to California, particularly because of lower housing costs. However, the state income tax rates, while still progressive, max out at a slightly lower percentage in New Jersey. Both states offer diverse economic opportunities, notably in technology and finance, but each with distinct leading industries which might influence your career path.

California vs. New Jersey Political & Religious Comparison

In this section, we'll provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to compare the political and religious makeup of the residents between California & New Jersey . This comparison aims to help you understand the community landscape you're moving into, touching briefly on politics and religion.

CaliforniaNew Jersey
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsVaries by regionVaries by region, generally liberal
ReligionChristianity, non-religious, other faithsChristianity, non-religious, other faiths

While both California and New Jersey are known for their liberal/Democratic leaning in terms of political makeup, you'll find diversity in local politics based on the specific regions you're in. Communities within both states vary from liberal strongholds to more conservative areas, offering a mosaic of political views. The religious landscape in both states is quite similar, with Christianity being predominant, but a significant portion of the population identifies as non-religious or follows other faiths. This diversity reflects a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices, ensuring that you're likely to find a community that aligns with your preferences and values.

Education Guide When Moving from California to New Jersey

Moving across states can be a daunting task, especially when considering education for your children. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and New Jersey , allowing you to make an informed decision on where to relocate.

CaliforniaNew Jersey

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
USC
Princeton University
Rutgers University
The College of New Jersey

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes)
El Oro Way Charter (Granada Hills)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Riverside Elementary School (Princeton)
Princeton Charter School (Princeton)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael)
Canyon Charter Elementary School (Santa Monica)
Pacific Collegiate School (Santa Cruz)
Thomas Grover Middle School (West Windsor)
Community Middle School (Plainsboro)
Princeton Charter School (Princeton)

Top 3 High Schools

Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Lynbrook High School (San Jose)
High Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Middlesex County Academy (Edison)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Stanford Online High School (Stanford)
The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Delbarton School (Morristown)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
The Pennington School (Pennington)
Morristown-Beard School (Morristown)
Newark Academy (Livingston)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District
Princeton Public Schools
Millburn Township Schools
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District

In comparing education options, it's evident that both California and New Jersey offer robust educational settings conducive to stellar academic achievement. California is known for its innovative and well-funded public schools like Henry M. Gunn High School and top universities such as UCLA and UC Berkeley. On the other hand, New Jersey boasts historic and prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, alongside highly regarded preparatory schools like The Lawrenceville School. The presence of high-ranking public, private, and charter schools in both states indicates a dedication to providing quality education, from elementary through high school levels. This ensures your children can receive an excellent education, no matter which coast you choose.

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