Best California to Virginia Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Virginia and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,653 mile CA to VA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 413 California to Virginia 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 $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Virginia. 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 Virginia 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 | ARS Movers | 9.63 | 9.76 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | A Change of Place Movers | 9.58 | 9.44 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Virginia
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,653 miles from California to Virginia will cost on average $4,037 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to VA move is roughly $9,759. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,707 | 300 ft³ | 9.02 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,037 | 450 ft³ | 8.97 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,691 | 750 ft³ | 8.92 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,759 | 1100 ft³ | 8.87 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,115 | 1600 ft³ | 8.82 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $15,789 | 1800 ft³ | 8.77 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia to California guide.
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Compare the 6 Best CA to VA 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) |
ARS Movers
Herndon, VA, 20170
About ARS Movers
ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...
Services
- Local Moving (Residential Moving)
- Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
- Office Moving (Commercial Moving)
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3260258 / 1027666 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 3 (2022) |
A Change of Place Movers
Hopewell, VA, 23860
About A Change of Place Movers
The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1293943 / 503371 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 290,815 (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 Virginia
Making a move from one state to another is a major life decision, one filled with both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to Virginia , giving you a clearer perspective on what to expect.
California- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Wildfire risks
- State income tax
Virginia- Lower cost of living
- Less congested roads
- Seasonal weather
- Lower taxes
Virginia- Less diversity
- Fewer beaches
- Smaller tech scene
- Colder winters
California- Diverse culture
- Beach access
- Innovative hub
- Year-round sun
While both California and Virginia offer unique benefits, it's essential to delve deeper into what each state has to offer beyond the surface. For those craving cultural diversity and innovation, California's cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are unmatched hubs of creativity and tech. However, Virginia's appeal lies in its rich historical roots and a more relaxed pace of life—a haven for those seeking to escape California's relentless hustle. Cities such as Charlottesville and Williamsburg provide a scenic backdrop with their neighborhood parks, historical sites, and vibrant communities. Moreover, restaurants like Leon's Full Service in Norfolk offer a taste of Virginia's rich culinary diversity, showcasing local cuisine that draws both locals and visitors alike. This contrast extends to natural beauty and outdoor activities, where Virginia's Appalachian Trail offers a different kind of adventure compared to the sunny beaches of California.
California vs. Virginia Food Guide
Understanding the local food scene is crucial when moving to a new place, as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. With this in mind, we're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Virginia to help you grasp the culinary differences and similarities between these two diverse states.
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Ham |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip BBQ | Country Ham |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Peanuts |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegetable Soup |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the local cuisine is highly influenced by its diverse culture and agricultural bounty. Fish tacos and tri-tip BBQ are staples. For those exploring California's vibrant street food scene, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are hotspots for an array of food trucks offering everything from gourmet selections to traditional street food. On the other hand, Virginia's food culture is deeply rooted in its history with iconic items like Ham and peanuts underscoring its southern influence. Cities like Richmond and Norfolk offer a range of culinary experiences, from traditional Southern cooking at places like Mama J's Kitchen to innovative dining experiences at The Inn at Little Washington. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just love to explore local cuisine, both states offer unique and tantalizing options that cater to a wide range of palates.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate greatly influences your moving experience. Understanding how California and Virginia compare in terms of housing—cost, architectural styles, walkability, and lifestyle—can significantly impact your decision-making process. Let's dive deep into the specifics to ensure you make an informed choice.
| Comparison | California | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Mediterranean | Colonial, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, Sustainable features | Historic details, Proximity to nature |
When comparing housing between California and Virginia, you'll find significant differences that reflect each state's unique lifestyle and economic landscape. California's median home price significantly surpasses Virginia's, likely due to its highly sought-after coastal regions and urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Conversely, Virginia offers more affordable housing with a strong presence of Colonial and Craftsman architectural styles, appealing to those who appreciate classic American aesthetics and historical context. The emphasis on sustainability in California real estate listings versus Virginia’s focus on historic details and nature suggests differing lifestyle priorities among residents. Whether you value an urban lifestyle with modern amenities or a connection to historical roots and natural settings will greatly influence your choice between these two diverse states.
California vs. Virginia Weather Considerations
When relocating from one state to another, understanding how the weather compares between California and Virginia is crucial. This can greatly affect your daily life, from what you wear to how you plan your activities. Here's a comparison to help you adjust to your new environment.
California
Virginia
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Virginia
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Virginia
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Virginia
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable; urban areas have poor air quality | Generally good, with occasional concerns in urban areas |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Hurricanes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In comparing the climates of California and Virginia, several key differences stand out that could impact your lifestyle. California enjoys more days of sunshine with a typically lower humidity level, making it ideal for those who prefer dryer conditions. Virginia, while having fewer sunny days, offers a distinct four-season experience, with significantly more rainfall and humidity, contributing to lush landscapes but also to more prevalent mold and pollen, worsening allergies for some. Both states face their hazards with California prone to wildfires and earthquakes, and Virginia to hurricanes and floods. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare and adapt to your new surroundings more effectively.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Virginia
When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how your financial situation might change. This comparison is designed to help you grasp the differences in money and finance when moving from California to Virginia. Whether it's the cost of living, taxes, or average income, knowing these details can significantly impact your decision.
| Comparison | California | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $85,873 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 96.6 |
| State Income Tax | 1-13.3 | 2-5.75 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.80 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 5.65 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Technology, Military, Agriculture |
| Affluence | High | Moderate to high |
| Poverty | Considerable | Lower |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
When comparing the financial aspects of living in California versus Virginia, it's apparent that the overall cost of living is significantly higher in California. For example, the Cost of Living Index in California stands at 138.5, making it one of the most expensive states in the U.S., while Virginia's index is more moderate at 103.7. However, California's top industries, such as Technology and Entertainment, contribute to its higher average household income. On the other hand, Virginia, with its blend of Technology, Military, and Agriculture, offers a compelling alternative with a lower state income tax rate and a more moderate affluence rating. This comparison highlights important considerations for anyone contemplating this interstate move, especially regarding housing affordability and taxation.
California vs. Virginia Political & Religious Comparison
As you consider the move from California to Virginia, understanding the cultural and political landscape is vital. This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the comparison of the politics between California & Virginia alongside religious affiliations, helping you get acquainted with the typical makeup of the population in both states.
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Swing state, leaning Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies in urban areas | Mix of conservative rural areas and progressive urban centers |
| Religion | More religiously diverse | Christianity predominant, with evangelical Protestants notably present |
California and Virginia offer unique living experiences shaped by their political and religious landscapes. California's liberal stance is reflected in its progressive policies, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. In contrast, Virginia's swing state status results in a more mixed political environment, with conservative rural regions balancing the progressive urban centers such as Richmond and Alexandria. Religion in California is diverse, mirroring its multicultural population, whereas in Virginia, Christianity has a stronger presence, particularly among evangelical Protestants. Understanding these dynamics can help you adapt more smoothly to your new surroundings.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Virginia
Moving across states can bring a bundle of decisions, notably when it comes to education. This comparison aims to help you understand the differences between school options in California and Virginia , ensuring a more informed decision for your children's educational path.
| California | Virginia |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordUniversity of Virginia Virginia Tech William & Mary | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Oxford Academy (Cypress) Millikan Science Technical Engineering and Math (Los Angeles) Hawthorne (Beverly Hills)Longfellow Middle (Falls Church) Westbriar Elementary (Vienna) Arlington Science Focus (Arlington) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools The Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla) Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) William S. Hart (Santa Clarita)Henley Middle (Crozet) J.M. Gamble Montessori High School (Cincinnati) George H. Moody Middle (Henrico) | |
Top 3 High Schools California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Whitney High (Cerritos)Thomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology (Alexandria) Maggie L. Walker Governor's School (Richmond) McLean High (McLean) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) Stanford Online High School (Stanford) The Thacher School (Ojai)The Potomac School (McLean) The Madeira School (McLean) St. Christopher's School (Richmond) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) Chadwick School (Palos Verdes Peninsula)Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (Suffolk) Norfolk Academy (Norfolk) The Langley School (McLean) | |
Top 3 School Districts Los Altos School District Palo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School DistrictFalls Church City Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Arlington Public Schools | |
In your transition from California to Virginia, you may find the emphasis on science and technology education quite pronounced in Virginia, especially with schools like Thomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology in Alexandria, which is nationally recognized for its STEM curriculum. Both states boast high-quality education but with differing focal points. For example, California's schools, such as The Nueva School in Hillsborough, highlight innovative learning and creative thinking. Understanding these nuances helps in making an educated decision on where to settle, based on the educational needs and aspirations of your children.
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