Best Sunnyvale to Boston Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Sunnyvale to Boston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,183 mile move from California to Massachusetts go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 54 Sunnyvale to Boston moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Stairhopper Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $11,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Sunnyvale compared to Boston. 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 Sunnyvale to Boston Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Stairhopper Movers9.669.62Authorized For HHGContact
2Centaur Moving9.609.79Authorized For HHGContact
3D&L Movers9.349.36ActiveContact
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
5White Red Moving & Storage9.089.34Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Sunnyvale to Boston

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,183 miles from Sunnyvale, CA to Boston, MA will cost on average $4,488 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Sunnyvale to Boston move is roughly $10,861. 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 and dropoff 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 movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$3,007300 ft³10.02
1 Bedroom$4,488450 ft³9.97
2 Bedrooms$7,443750 ft³9.92
3 Bedrooms$10,8611100 ft³9.87
4 Bedrooms$15,7171600 ft³9.82
5+ Bedrooms$17,5921800 ft³9.77
*Please note: These California to Massachusetts moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Massachusetts. 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 MA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Boston to Sunnyvale guide.

Compare the 5 Best Sunnyvale to Boston Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Stairhopper Movers Logo

Stairhopper Movers

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 9,261+ data points

20 Harvard St

Boston, MA, 2129

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and commercial moves....

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1696867 / 623045

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers22
Total Annual Miles Moved261,200 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Centaur Moving Logo

Centaur Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.60/10
based on 1,675+ data points

171 Windsor St

Cambridge, MA, 02139

About Centaur Moving

Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide moves....

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Relocations

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3638077 / 1249051

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
3
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
White Red Moving & Storage Logo

White Red Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.08/10
based on 550+ data points

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About White Red Moving & Storage

Based in Sunnyvale, California, White Red Moving & Storage has been providing local and long-distance moving services since 2010. As a...

Services

  • Local Moving Service
  • Long Distance Moving Service
  • Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3707629 / 1299933

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Sunnyvale vs. Boston Neighborhood Comparison

When planning a move, getting to know your future city's neighborhoods is essential. This guide provides a comparison of local neighborhoods between Sunnyvale, CA & Boston, MA , using your current city as a familiar baseline. Discover which neighborhoods in Boston share the same vibe, community feel, or amenities as your favorite spots in Sunnyvale.

SunnyvaleBostonHow They're Similar
Downtown SunnyvaleNorth EndHistoric charm, bustling streets
SnailCharlestownFamily-friendly, nautical history
PonderosaSouth BostonUrban living, community parks
BirdlandFenwayEnergetic, near major attractions
Sunnyvale WestBrooklineQuieter, upscale homes
Heritage DistrictBeacon HillCobblestone streets, historic architecture
LakewoodJamaica PlainDiverse, green spaces
CherryhillSouth EndCulturally rich, excellent dining
OrtegaAllstonYoung crowd, vibrant nightlife
RaynorRoslindaleResidential, community-centric

If you're drawn to the vibrant energy and community feel of Downtown Sunnyvale, Boston's North End holds a similar appeal with its rich history and bustling streets, featuring renowned spots like Paul Revere's House. For those who love the family-friendly vibe and the nautical history of Snail, Charlestown offers an enticing mix with places like the USS Constitution Museum. If open spaces and a mix of urban and residential life is your thing, like in Ponderosa, South Boston presents a compelling alternative with its bustling waterfront and the expansive Moakley Park. Birdland's energetic feel compares well with Fenway, where attractions like Fenway Park pull in both locals and visitors alike, encapsulating the essence of a spirited and closely-knit community in the heart of a bustling city.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Sunnyvale to Boston

Moving from one city to another entails weighing the bad against the good, and this guide is designed to offer an honest reflection of moving from Sunnyvale, CA to Boston, MA. The purpose is to give you a clear understanding of what you’re leaving behind and what awaits you in your new home through direct comparison charts.

CONs
PROs
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • High Cost of Living
  • Less Walkable
  • Less Public Transit
  • Less Seasonal Change
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Richer History
  • More Walkable
  • Better Public Transit
  • Distinct Seasons
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Colder Winters
  • Higher Taxes
  • Less Sunshine
  • Faster Paced
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • Milder Winters
  • Tech Hub
  • More Sunshine
  • Laid-back Lifestyle

When relocating from Sunnyvale, CA, to Boston, MA, you're trading the laid-back, sunny lifestyle of Silicon Valley for the historically rich and culturally vibrant streets of Boston. While Sunnyvale boasts a tech-driven economy symbolized by companies like Google and LinkedIn, Boston counters with a diverse economic base, prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, and landmarks such as the Freedom Trail. You might miss the mild winters and relaxed pace of Sunnyvale, but Boston's distinctive seasons, including picturesque autumns and snowy winters, bring their own charm. With renowned institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the bustling historic areas like the North End, Boston offers an unmatched blend of history, culture, and modernity.

Sunnyvale vs. Boston Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Sunnyvale & Boston, an essential aspect of embracing the local culture and understanding what it's like to live in these areas. Food plays a significant role in the daily life and atmosphere of a location, so let's dive into what each city has to offer to better prepare you for your move.

SunnyvaleBoston
Most iconic local food itemArtisanal Silicon Valley SourdoughClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQRoasted Cod
Most popular street food itemBoba TeaLobster Rolls
Most popular vegan foodImitation Crab Poké BowlJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Dishdash
  • Falafel Stop
  • Muracci's Japanese Curry
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Union Oyster House
  • Mamaleh's Delicatessen
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Sunnyvale, the artisanal Silicon Valley sourdough reflects the region's innovation even in its cuisine, while Boston's clam chowder is a testament to its rich maritime history. If you're moving to Boston, Neptune Oyster in the North End or Union Oyster House, America's oldest restaurant, are must-visits for seafood lovers. Similarly, Sunnyvale's diverse food scene can be sampled through its variety of unique eateries like Dishdash, which showcases the area's rich multicultural influence. Street food enthusiasts will find a contrast between Sunnyvale's boba tea stalls and Boston's iconic lobster rolls, each offering a taste of their respective local cultures.

Sunnyvale vs. Boston Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, finding places that make a new city feel like home is crucial, especially when it comes to dining options. This restaurant comparison chart aims to bridge your culinary journey from Sunnyvale to Boston, helping you discover new favorites based on what you already love.

SunnyvaleBostonWhat You'll Love
DishdashOleanaAuthentic Middle Eastern flavors
Murphy's LawThe Barking CrabCasual seafood with a vibrant atmosphere
Philz CoffeeThinking CupRenowned for excellent coffee and atmosphere
Seti's TableSarmaA variety of global dishes with unique twists
SumikaO YaOffers high-end Japanese cuisine and sushi
In-N-Out BurgerTasty BurgerFamous for affordable burgers and casual dining
Falafel STOPAmsterdam FalafelshopKnown for its customizable falafel and toppings
Madras CafeDakzenStreet-style Thai food likened to India’s diverse flavors
Bean Scene CafePavement CoffeehouseOffering coffee and bites in a relaxed setting
ChelokababiSimilansElegant Thai food that satisfies the soul

Upon moving to Boston, you won't miss out on the diverse dining scene you've enjoyed in Sunnyvale. From the Middle Eastern delicacies at Oleana reminiscent of Dishdash's authentic flavors, to the high-quality sushi experience at O Ya that matches what Sumika offers. If casual and vibrant settings are what you seek, then The Barking Crab will become your go-to seafood spot, akin to Murphy's Law in Sunnyvale. Boston's culinary landscape offers a mixture of innovative and traditional dining experiences, tailored to suit every palate, ensuring the transition from Sunnyvale to Boston is as smooth and delightful as possible.

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Sunnyvale vs. Boston Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, it's crucial to compare the real estate landscapes of Sunnyvale, CA, and Boston, MA. Understanding the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall lifestyle can greatly impact your decision and adjustment process.

ComparisonSunnyvaleBoston
Typical Architecture StyleModern and RanchVictorian and Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSolar panels, open floor plansHistoric details, proximity to public transit

When comparing Sunnyvale and Boston, the differences in housing and lifestyle offer a fascinating glimpse into what you can expect. Boston scores higher in terms of walkability and urban lifestyle, with its rich history reflected through its Victorian and Colonial architecture. These features, coupled with great public transit like the MBTA, make Boston an attractive option for those who value a vibrant city life. On the other hand, Sunnyvale, with its higher median home prices, showcases modern and ranch-style homes often outfitted with solar panels, indicating a leaning towards sustainable living. Both cities boast comparable bikeability scores, but your preference between modern sustainability and historic charm could be the deciding factor.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Boston, MA

1. South End: Known for its charming, tree-lined streets and the spacious Peter's Park, which features a dedicated dog run area where your pets can play off-leash.

2. Jamaica Plain: With its proximity to the extensive trails and green spaces of the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain offers endless outdoor activities for you and your four-legged friends.

3. Beacon Hill: This neighborhood is not only picturesque but also boasts pet-friendly dining options and easy access to the Boston Common, the oldest public park in America with ample space for your pets to explore.

Sunnyvale vs. Boston Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another comes with its set of challenges; understanding weather differences between Sunnyvale and Boston plays a vital role in preparing for the relocation. This comparison aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect climate-wise as you transition from the sunny and temperate climate of Sunnyvale to the more varied and seasonal weather of Boston.

Summer icon
82°F / 57°F

Sunnyvale, CA

82°F / 65°F

Boston, MA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 42°F

Sunnyvale, CA

37°F / 22°F

Boston, MA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.9

Sunnyvale, CA

43.8

Boston, MA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Sunnyvale, CA

48.0

Boston, MA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSunnyvaleBoston
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesBlizzards, Nor'easters
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When comparing the climates of Sunnyvale and Boston, several key differences stand out which could significantly impact your daily life after moving. Sunnyvale enjoys a mild climate with ample sunshine throughout the year, whereas Boston experiences a more pronounced four-season climate, including cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Additionally, while Sunnyvale residents might deal with occasional earthquakes, Bostonians prepare for winter blizzards and summer thunderstorms. The adjustment from virtually no snowfall in Sunnyvale to managing the annual snowfall in Boston can also mean upgrading your winter gear and getting used to seasonal snow removal. Understanding these variations will help you prepare better for your move, ensuring a smoother transition to Boston's diverse weather patterns.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Sunnyvale to Boston

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and the overall financial environment compare. This is especially true when moving from Sunnyvale to Boston, as each city has unique economic characteristics that could impact your budget and lifestyle.

ComparisonSunnyvaleBoston
Avg. Household Income$156,059$79,283
Cost of Living Index136.4132.5
State Income Tax13.35
Avg. Property Tax0.81.2
Avg. Sales Tax96.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, RetailEducation, Health Services, Finance
AffluenceVery highHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

In comparing Sunnyvale and Boston, you'll find that the average household income is significantly higher in Sunnyvale, likely a reflection of the booming tech industry that dominates the region. Despite the higher income, Sunnyvale's cost of living index is nearly double that of Boston's, indicating that your dollar may stretch further in Boston despite lower average incomes. The state income tax difference is also notable, with California's highest marginal rate significantly exceeding Massachusetts'. However, the overall tax burden in each state may vary depending on specific circumstances. Boston's leading industries—education, health services, and finance—although different from Sunnyvale's tech-focused economy, contribute to the city's high level of affluence and provide ample job opportunities. While both cities display disparities in income and cost of living, each offers a distinct set of advantages depending on your professional industry, income level, and lifestyle preferences.

Sunnyvale vs. Boston Political & Religious Comparison

In making the big move from Sunnyvale, CA to Boston, MA, it's insightful to grasp a quick snapshot of the differing landscapes you'll encounter - especially in terms of politics and religion, a comparison of the politics between Sunnyvale & Boston. Understanding this will help smooth your transition into your new city, providing a glimpse into the local culture and community you're about to join.

SunnyvaleBoston
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocrat-dominated city councilDemocrat-dominated city council
ReligionDiverse; includes Christians, Hindus, BuddhistsPrimarily Christian, with significant Catholic presence; diverse religious communities

While both Sunnyvale and Boston share a liberal political outlook with Democrat-dominated local governance, the fabric of their communities shows diversity and depth. Sunnyvale boasts a wide range of religious beliefs from Christianity to Hinduism and Buddhism, illustrating its rich cultural mosaic. Boston, although predominantly Christian with a significant Catholic presence, also houses a plethora of diverse religious communities. This reflective comparison highlights the vibrant and diverse societies you'll experience, fostering an understanding that, despite geographical distance, common ground in core values and beliefs can be found.

Sunnyvale vs. Boston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Sunnyvale & Boston is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving from one city to the other.

ComparisonSunnyvaleBoston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingEasier, especially within the city

In Sunnyvale, you'll find that the average commute time is slightly less than in Boston; however, the city experiences modest traffic congestion. Sunnyvale's public transit system, while serviceable, isn't as comprehensive or as relied upon as Boston's MBTA, which has a higher availability rating and serves as a backbone for commuting within the city. In Boston, it's much easier to navigate the city without a car, thanks to its robust public transportation network and the city's denser, more walkable urban layout. This contrast underscores the importance of considering your transportation preferences and needs when relocating.

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