Best DC to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from DC to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,807 mile DC to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 308 DC to California 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 DC 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 DC 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 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Mic's Moving | 9.59 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Ap Pro Moving Llc | 9.43 | 9.39 | Active | Contact |
| 6 | Treasure Moving Company | 9.39 | 9.41 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from DC to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,807 miles from DC to California will cost on average $4,168 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom DC to CA move is roughly $10,079. 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 DC 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 DC to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,794 | 300 ft³ | 9.31 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,168 | 450 ft³ | 9.26 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,910 | 750 ft³ | 9.21 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,079 | 1100 ft³ | 9.16 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,581 | 1600 ft³ | 9.11 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,313 | 1800 ft³ | 9.06 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to DC guide.
Popular DC to California Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from DC to California
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular DC to California Moving Routes
- Washington DC to Los Angeles
- Washington DC to San Diego
- Washington DC to San Jose
- Washington DC to San Francisco
- Washington DC to Fresno
- Washington DC to Sacramento
- Washington DC to Long Beach
- Washington DC to Oakland
- Washington DC to Bakersfield
- Washington DC to Anaheim
- Washington DC to Santa Ana
- Washington DC to Riverside
Compare the 6 Best DC 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) |
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw
Washington DC, DC, 20011
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
Ap Pro Moving Llc
5021 Seminary Rd # 822
Alexandria, VA, 22311
About Ap Pro Moving Llc
Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3338902 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 4,000 (2021) |
Treasure Moving Company
11140 Rockville Pike # 300
Rockville, MD, 20852
About Treasure Moving Company
Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Residential Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2431129 / 847222 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2021) |
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 DC to California
Moving from one coast to another is a significant change that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to compare the upsides and downsides of relocating from DC to California, giving you a balanced view of what to expect. By examining the pros and cons of DC compared to the benefits of California , and vice versa, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your big move.
DC- High living costs
- Cold winters
- Less outdoor options
- Smaller tech scene
California- Diverse landscapes
- Milder climate
- Abundant nature activities
- Giant tech hub
California- Expensive housing
- Car-dependent areas
- Higher taxes
- Water scarcity issues
DC- Rich history
- Strong public transit
- Political hub
- Diverse culture
While the move from DC to California means swapping the bustling streets near the Capitol for the sprawling, sun-soaked landscapes of the Golden State, it's more than just a change of scenery. Imagine trading the frigid winters beside the Potomac River for year-round outdoor activities in places like Yosemite National Park or the beaches of Malibu. However, ready your wallet for the sticker shock of California's housing market, especially in popular areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles. On the flip side, DC's compact nature and efficient metro system mean you might find yourself missing the ease of getting around without a car—a stark contrast to California's car-centric cities. Yet, the move is an opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse culinary scenes and vibrant communities, from the historic streets of San Francisco's Chinatown to the trendy eateries of LA's Silver Lake.
DC vs. California Food Guide
When planning a move, considering the culinary landscape of your new home is essential. Food is a key aspect of local culture and can greatly impact your day-to-day life. To help you transition smoothly, we're offering a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & California . This insight should help you understand what culinary delights await in your new locale.
| DC | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-Smoke | California Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo Sauce Wings | Tri-tip BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Food Trucks | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetable Forward Dishes | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In both DC and California, the local cuisine reflects a rich cultural history and current trends. DC's half-smokes and mumbo sauce wings can be found at local favorites like Ben's Chili Bowl and food trucks around the city, ensuring you get a taste of the city’s flavor. Moving to California, you’ll find an abundance of fresh, innovative vegan options and the iconic California roll, reflecting the state's innovation in sushi. Neighborhoods like Los Angeles' West Hollywood or San Francisco's Mission District are foodie heavens, offering everything from upscale dining at Chateau Marmont to the beloved In-N-Out Burger, showcasing California’s diverse culinary landscape.
Ready to start your move?
DC vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscape between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between DC and California housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more gives you a solid ground for what to expect. Let's dive into the crucial aspects of the housing environment in these states.
| Comparison | DC | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Federal, Victorian | Spanish, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to Metro, Historic Charm | Proximity to Beach, Solar Panels |
The higher median home price and rent in California reflect its bustling real estate market, influenced by its diverse climates and prominent tech industry hubs. On the other hand, DC, with its rich history and government jobs, offers unique housing styles like Federal and Victorian, along with an emphasis on historic charm in its listings. California’s listings highlight modern amenities like solar panels and proximity to beautiful beaches, fitting the state’s emphasis on sustainability and outdoor living. While DC scores higher in walkability and urban lifestyle, reflecting its dense, accessible urban environment, California offers its own unique lifestyle perks, catered to those seeking a blend of modern living and natural beauty.
DC vs. California Weather Considerations
Understanding the weather differences is essential when relocating. This guide compares DC and California weather , to help you prepare for your move. The weather variations highlight what to expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and more.
DC
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
DC
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
DC
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
DC
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | DC | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Varies widely |
| Natural Disasters | Severe storms, hurricanes | Earthquakes, wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from DC to California introduces you to a variety of climate conditions. In California, you'll enjoy more days of sunshine and milder winters. However, it's key to consider that weather conditions in California can be extreme, from severe droughts and wildfires to cooler temperatures along the coast. Furthermore, the state faces unique natural disasters like earthquakes. Depending on where you settle in California, you may also experience significant variations in air quality and humidity, directly impacting your day-to-day comfort and health.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from DC to California
When considering a move from one location to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison is designed to highlight how the cost of living, income, and taxes in DC and California can impact your finances, giving you a clearer perspective on what to expect.
| Comparison | DC | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $101,027 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.0 - 8.95 | 1.0 - 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.00 | 7.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Education, Health Services | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | High | Varied |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Significant | Severe |
Moving from DC to California, you'll find the average household income is slightly lower, but so is the cost of living index—making earnings potentially stretch further in certain Californian cities. However, the wide range of state income tax rates in California means your actual take-home pay can vary significantly depending on your exact location and earnings. Property and sales taxes are also higher in California, affecting your overall expenses. Notably, the top industries between these two places vastly differ, from government-focused in DC to technology and entertainment in California, which could influence your career opportunities. Understanding these financial dynamics is key to a successful transition.
DC vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Making the move from DC to California introduces a spectrum of changes, key among them being the community you'll be joining. This comparison offers a quick glimpse into the politics between DC & California and the religious landscape defining both regions.
| DC | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Heavily Democratic | Largely Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on federal government influence and local governance issues | Diverse issues ranging from environmental policy to tech industry regulation |
| Religion | Varied, with notable Christian and non-religious communities | Highly diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and non-religious beliefs |
When moving from DC to California, one of the most significant changes you'll encounter is the local political climate. While both areas lean Democratic, the specifics of local politics can differ greatly. In DC, the proximity to federal power plays a large role in local issues, whereas in California, you'll find a broader range of topics, including environmental conservation and tech regulation. This diversity extends to the religious landscape as well, where California offers a wider array of communities compared to DC, reflecting the state's larger and more varied population. Engaging with these communities can enrich your understanding and experience of your new home.
Education Guide When Moving from DC to California
Moving can be a substantial transition, especially when it involves long distances like relocating from DC to California. Understanding the differences in educational opportunities can greatly impact your decision-making process. This chart aims to clarify the comparisons between school options in DC and California, equipping you with the information needed to make the best choice for your family.
| DC | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Maryland Georgetown University Howard UniversityUniversity of California (Los Angeles) University of California (Berkeley) Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Mann Elementary Janney Elementary Eaton ElementaryWest Hollywood Elementary Point Vicente Elementary Montemalaga Elementary | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Deal Middle School Hardy Middle School McKinley Middle SchoolMiller Middle School (San Jose) Egan Junior High (Los Altos) Carmel Valley Middle School (San Diego) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Wilson High School School Without Walls Banneker High SchoolCalifornia Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) Lowell High School (San Francisco) | |
Top 3 private high schools Georgetown Preparatory School Sidwell Friends School National Cathedral SchoolHarvard-Westlake School (Studio City) The Harker School (San Jose) Polytechnic School (Pasadena) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools British International School of Washington Sidwell Friends School Georgetown Day SchoolThe Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) Webb Schools (Claremont) | |
Top 3 School Districts District of Columbia Public SchoolsLos Altos School District Palo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School District | |
When comparing the educational systems of DC and California, a few themes stand out. In California, there's a notable emphasis on STEM education, as seen with schools like the California Academy of Mathematics and Science ranking highly. California's top universities, such as Stanford and UC Berkeley, reflect the state's strong reputation in higher education. Furthermore, the existence of unique K-12 private schools like The Harker School highlights California's broad range of quality educational options. Similarly, DC boasts prestigious institutions, with Georgetown University and the District of Columbia Public Schools offering high-caliber education. However, the small geographic size of DC limits the variety of districts compared to California's vast and varied landscape with numerous top-tier districts like Los Altos and Palo Alto Unified School District.
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