Best Connecticut to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Connecticut to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,994 mile CT to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 334 Connecticut to California 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 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 Connecticut compared to California. 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 Connecticut to California 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 | Smooth Move & Delivery | 9.19 | 9.19 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Expert Movers & Storage Inc | 9.15 | 9.2 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Expert Movers, LLC | 9.07 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Adams Moving Company | 9.00 | 9.14 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Connecticut to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,994 miles from Connecticut to California will cost on average $4,327 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CT to CA move is roughly $10,468. 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 Connecticut and dropoff in California 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 Connecticut to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,900 | 300 ft³ | 9.67 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,327 | 450 ft³ | 9.62 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,175 | 750 ft³ | 9.57 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,468 | 1100 ft³ | 9.52 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,146 | 1600 ft³ | 9.47 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,949 | 1800 ft³ | 9.42 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Connecticut guide.
Popular Connecticut to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best CT to CA 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) |
Smooth Move & Delivery
76 Progress Dr
Stamford, CT, 6902
About Smooth Move & Delivery
Located in Stamford, CT, Smooth Move & Delivery offers residential and commercial moving services within a 70-mile radius of Westchester County,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2723982 / 29434 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
Expert Movers & Storage Inc
This listing has been claimed by Expert Movers & Storage Inc60 Shelter Rock Rd Unit 15
Danbury, CT, 06810
About Expert Movers & Storage Inc
Expert Movers & Storage Inc is a family-owned and operated moving company serving Connecticut since 2000. It’s a full-service mover that...
Services
- Residential Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2097824 / 731755 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2023) |
Expert Movers, LLC
100 Glen Rd
Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
About Expert Movers, LLC
Expert Movers, LLC is a family-owned moving company that has been providing exceptional moving services since 2000. Based in Danbury, CT,...
Services
- Residential Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2097824 / 731755 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2023) |
Adams Moving Company
West Haven, CT, 06516
About Adams Moving Company
Based in Branford, Connecticut, Adams Moving Company is known for providing reliable moving services. Accumulating over 20+ years of moving experience,...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Junk removal
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3631786 / 1244398 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (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 Connecticut to California
Moving across the country is a significant life change that deserves a thorough comparison of the good and the bad. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection by comparing the cons of living in Connecticut with the pros of moving to California and vice versa. By examining the advantages and disadvantages, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Connecticut- Cold Winters
- Higher Taxes
- Smaller Beaches
- Less Diversity
- Fewer Job Markets
California- Sunny Weather
- Lower Taxes
- Vast Coastlines
- Greater Diversity
- Tech Job Opportunities
California- Earthquake Risk
- High Cost of Living
- Heavy Traffic
- Further from Family
- Overcrowding
Connecticut- Historical Charm
- Seasonal Beauty
- Quieter Living
- Proximity to NYC
- Close-knit Communities
While the thought of leaving Connecticut's historical charm and the picturesque beauty of its four seasons might be daunting, the allure of California's diverse culture and expansive job market in technology and entertainment is undeniable. Imagine trading cold winters for the sunny, mild weather of Southern California where outdoor activities in places like Griffith Park or the beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway are year-round. Though the cost of living is a considerable factor, the trade-off comes with access to world-renowned restaurants in cities like San Francisco, vibrant neighborhood parks, and sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge. For tech enthusiasts, the opportunity to work in Silicon Valley, surrounded by the brightest minds in the industry, can be a game-changer. Despite the high living costs and traffic congestion in popular areas like Los Angeles, the lifestyle and career opportunities in California offer a compelling case for making the big move.
Connecticut vs. California Food Guide
As food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and lifestyle, this guide aims to enlighten you on the culinary contrast before moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Connecticut & California, providing insights into each state's unique food scene and helping you acclimate to where you're heading.
| Connecticut | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Steamed Cheeseburger | Tri-tip Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Steaks | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Connecticut to California, you'll find yourself transitioning from the classic New England flavors of lobster rolls and steamed cheeseburgers to the vibrant, multi-cultural influences of fish tacos and tri-tip steak. Connecticut's food scene boasts iconic establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Louis' Lunch, where the invention of the hamburger is claimed. Meanwhile, California offers a diverse culinary landscape, from the pioneering farm-to-table dishes of Chez Panisse in Berkeley to the legendary In-N-Out Burger, symbolizing the state's fast-food culture. The Golden State is also renowned for its health-conscious options and abundance of vegan foods, a reflection of its fitness-centric lifestyle partly emanating from places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Here, food trucks and vegan eateries blend seamlessly with the state's dynamic foodie scene, providing an endless exploration for your palate.
Ready to start your move?
Connecticut vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Among the numerous factors to consider when moving, real estate stands paramount. It's crucial to understand how Connecticut and California compare in terms of housing. This comparison explores various housing aspects including cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Connecticut | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial and Cape Cod | Spanish Revival and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Quiet neighborhoods, spacious backyards | Proximity to tech hubs, ocean views |
Moving from Connecticut to California introduces significant changes in housing dynamics. The stark contrast in median home prices reflects California's intense real estate market, largely driven by its proximity to tech hubs and desirable coastal areas. While Connecticut offers classic Colonial and Cape Cod homes, California boasts a plethora of Spanish Revival and Modern architecture, catering to a diverse range of tastes. The urban lifestyle score, higher in California, indicates a vibrant life with abundant amenities and attractions, although this comes with a higher cost of living. Understanding these differences will help you navigate the exciting yet challenging journey of finding your new home.
Connecticut vs. California Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Connecticut to California, understanding how the climate and weather patterns differ between these two locations is crucial. This comparison will highlight the key differences in weather elements between Connecticut and California , providing insight into what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and other weather-related factors after your move.
Connecticut
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Connecticut
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Connecticut
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Connecticut
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Connecticut | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Varies widely; some areas with poor quality |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Hurricanes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While the average summer temperatures in Connecticut and California are somewhat similar, the winter months present a stark contrast, with California experiencing much milder temperatures. The significant difference in the number of sunny days—Connecticut’s 202 versus California's 284—highlights the overall warmer and sunnier climate you can expect after your move. Additionally, each state encounters its own set of natural disasters: Connecticut’s snowstorms and hurricanes compared to California’s earthquakes and wildfires. These aspects, alongside variances in air quality and allergens, are critical to consider when moving, as they directly affect your daily life and health.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Connecticut to California
Moving from one area to another can significantly impact your wallet. Understanding how the cost of living and financial landscape in Connecticut and California compare to your current situation is crucial in preparing for a successful transition.
| Comparison | Connecticut | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $88,429 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122.1 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 3.0 - 6.99 | 1 - 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.14% | 0.74% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.35% | 7.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Real Estate | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | Very High |
Though the average household incomes in Connecticut and California are relatively close, the cost of living in California is notably higher due to expensive housing and living expenses. California's wide income tax range reflects its progressive tax rate, which can impact high earners more significantly than in Connecticut. Meanwhile, Connecticut's property tax is among the highest in the nation, affecting homeowners substantially. The industries dominating these states vastly differ, with Connecticut focusing on finance and insurance, whereas California leads in technology and entertainment, influencing job market dynamics and economic opportunities differently for residents.
Connecticut vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
If you're considering a move from Connecticut to California, it's essential to understand not just the geographic and economic differences but also the local culture and demographics. This comparison will offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Connecticut & California, giving you a better sense of what to expect in your new home.
| Connecticut | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democrat | Strongly Democrat |
| Local Politics | Mixed urban and suburban; moderate policies | Urban-dominated; progressive policies |
| Religion | Christian majority, with Catholicism being predominant | Diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents |
Connecticut and California both lean towards Democratic leadership at the state level, but the intensity differs. In Connecticut, you'll find a mix of urban and suburban politics, with policies generally skewing moderate. Cities like Hartford and New Haven offer insights into local governance and community involvement. California, on the other hand, is renowned for its progressive stance on most issues, heavily influenced by major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Religion in Connecticut is predominantly Christian, with a considerable portion identifying as Catholics. Conversely, California's population is more religiously diverse, housing a significant number of residents who identify as non-religious or belong to various other faiths. This reflects not just in worship places but also in community events and the social issues prioritized by the population.
Education Guide When Moving from Connecticut to California
Moving from Connecticut to California brings new opportunities, especially in terms of education. To help you make an informed decision, it's essential to compare the differences in school options between Connecticut and California . This comparison will lay out key aspects of both states' educational landscapes, from public schools to private institutions.
| Connecticut | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Yale University University of Connecticut Quinnipiac UniversityStanford University University of California-Berkeley University of California-Los Angeles | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Peck Place School Orange; International School At Dundee Greenwich; Riverside School GreenwichMillikin Basics+ Elementary School Santa Clara; Old Orchard School Campbell; Reed Elementary School Tiburon | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Eastern Middle School Greenwich; Tomlinson Middle School Fairfield; Bedford Middle School WestportWilliam Hopkins Junior High School Fremont; Miller Middle School San Jose; Joaquin Miller Middle School San Jose | |
Top 3 High Schools Staples High School Westport; Greenwich High School Greenwich; Darien High School DarienHenry M. Gunn High School Palo Alto; Troy High School Fullerton; Palo Alto High School Palo Alto | |
Top 3 private high schools Choate Rosemary Hall Wallingford; The Hotchkiss School Lakeville; The Hopkins School New HavenHarvard-Westlake School Los Angeles; Phillips Exeter Academy Exeter; The Thacher School Ojai | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Kingswood-Oxford School West Hartford; Greenwich Country Day School Greenwich; The Brunswick School GreenwichThe Harker School San Jose; Marin Country Day School Corte Madera; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Santa Monica | |
Top 3 School Districts Westport School District Greenwich School District New Canaan School DistrictPalo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School District La Cañada Unified School District | |
While connecting the dots through these comparisons, it’s interesting to note the geographical diversity and the emphasis on arts and sciences among the top-ranked schools, especially in California. Schools like Palo Alto High School and Harvard-Westlake School highlight the vibrant academic culture extending beyond traditional disciplines. In Connecticut, the focus on high-quality education manifests in schools like Greenwich Country Day School and Choate Rosemary Hall, known for their rigorous academic programs and strong community involvement. This comparison doesn't just highlight names but indicates the rich, varied landscapes of educational opportunities, shaping the decision-making process for families moving between these two states.
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