Best Jacksonville to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Jacksonville to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,709 mile move from Florida to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Jacksonville to Salinas 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 Skinner Moving & Storage), 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 Jacksonville compared to Salinas. 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 Jacksonville to Salinas Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Jacksonville to Salinas Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Skinner Moving & Storage9.199.35Authorized For HHGContact
2MoveBright Van Lines9.178.92Authorized For HHGContact
3Mod Movers8.798.1Authorized For HHGContact
4Sunshine State Movers8.788.58Authorized For HHGContact
5Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Jacksonville to Salinas

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,709 miles from Jacksonville, FL to Salinas, CA will cost on average $4,085 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Jacksonville to Salinas move is roughly $9,875. 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$2,738300 ft³9.13
1 Bedroom$4,085450 ft³9.08
2 Bedrooms$6,771750 ft³9.03
3 Bedrooms$9,8751100 ft³8.98
4 Bedrooms$14,2841600 ft³8.93
5+ Bedrooms$15,9801800 ft³8.88
*Please note: These Florida to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Florida & California. 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 FL to CA mover.
Florida iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Jacksonville guide.

Compare the 5 Best Jacksonville to Salinas Movers

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

Skinner Moving & Storage Logo

Skinner Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 855+ data points

3771 San Jose Pl Ste 23

Jacksonville, FL, 32257

About Skinner Moving & Storage

Skinner Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated moving company based in the First Coast area. Their service offers include...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3693001 / 1289107

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
MoveBright Van Lines Logo

MoveBright Van Lines

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 1,204+ data points

11234 San Jose Blvd # 3

Jacksonville, FL, 32223

About MoveBright Van Lines

MoveBright Van Lines provides exceptional service to First Coast residents, delivering on-demand moves at the best prices in town. Located in...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/24/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3379394 / 1140514

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.79/10
based on 1,087+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
S

Sunshine State Movers

Superb8.78/10
based on 154+ data points

Lake Park, GA, 31636

About Sunshine State Movers

Sunshine State Movers is a professional moving company based in Baymeadows, Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in making moving easy and stress-free within...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4054744 / 1537260

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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.

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares popular neighborhoods between Jacksonville, FL & Salinas, CA . This comparison aims to help you find a new community that feels like home by highlighting similarities in lifestyle, culture, and amenities.

JacksonvilleSalinasHow They're Similar
RiversideSouth SalinasHistoric homes, vibrant community
San MarcoMaple ParkUpscale, artsy vibe
AvondaleOldtown SalinasQuaint shops, local charm
MandarinCreekbridgeFamily-friendly, outdoor activities
SpringfieldNorth SalinasHistoric, diverse community
OrtegaLaurelwoodQuiet, upscale living
BeachfrontDel Monte BeachBeach proximity, laid-back lifestyle
Murray HillLos OlivosArtsy, up-and-coming
Five PointsOldtown SalinasEclectic, vibrant nightlife
BaldwinToro ParkRural feel, outdoor spaces

Discovering your perfect neighborhood in Salinas can mirror the cherished aspects of your Jacksonville community. Take Riverside's artistic streets and historic homes, which find a West Coast counterpart in South Salinas's bustling, cultural warmth. Or the upscale, waterfront charm of San Marco, mirrored by Maple Park's tree-lined avenues and community-focused arts scene. For those drawn to the outdoor and family-oriented lifestyle of Mandarin, Creekbridge offers ample parks and recreational activities, such as visits to Creekbridge Park. Each Salinas neighborhood brings its unique flavor while resonating with the spirit of Jacksonville communities, ensuring you feel right at home.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Salinas

  • Explore Pinnacles National Park.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at River Road Wine Trail.
  • Visit the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.
  • Stroll along Salinas River Walk.
  • Attend California Rodeo Salinas.
  • Shop at Oldtown Salinas.
  • Take a class at Heidi’s Studio.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Jacksonville to Salinas

Moving across the country is a significant life event that demands consideration of both the upsides and downsides. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Jacksonville, FL to Salinas, CA. By weighing the cons against the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what awaits in your new home.

CONs
PROs
Jacksonville, FL iconJacksonville, FL
  • Higher humidity
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Longer hurricane season
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Milder climate
  • More cultural diversity
  • Rich outdoor lifestyle
  • Less severe weather
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Faster pace of life
  • Farther from beaches
Jacksonville, FL iconJacksonville, FL
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious suburbs
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Accessible beaches

Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Salinas, CA, involves trading the humid, often stormy weather of Florida for the temperate, agriculture-rich environment of California's Central Coast. While Jacksonville enjoys a slower pace of life with sprawling suburbs and easy beach access, Salinas offers a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, buoyed by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and scenic spots like the Pinnacles National Park. Furthermore, the culture in Salinas is deeply influenced by its agricultural heritage, making it a haven for fresh, local cuisine found in popular restaurants like Patria. While the cost of living may see an uptick in Salinas, the trade-off includes enriching experiences in a milder, more diverse setting.

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Food Guide

Food is a significant part of local culture and the living experience in any area. To help you get a better sense of what awaits your taste buds, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Jacksonville & Salinas . This guide aims to provide you with insights into the diverse food scenes in these cities, ensuring you're well-informed about your new culinary landscape.

JacksonvilleSalinas
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsArtichoke dishes
Most popular meat dishBarbecueTri-tip steak
Most popular street food itemTacosTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan Soul FoodVegan Mexican Cuisine
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Bearded Pig
  • Maple Street Biscuit Company
  • Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant
  • Patria
  • First Awakenings
  • Gino's Fine Italian Food
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you move to Salinas, you're entering a region known for its agricultural bounty, particularly artichokes and lettuce, which heavily influences its local cuisine. The city takes pride in dishes that showcase fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with vegan Mexican cuisine standing out due to the abundance of fresh produce available. For a true taste of Salinas, head to Patria for inventive European-inspired dishes or First Awakenings for a hearty breakfast. Salinas's food scene also mirrors its health-conscious lifestyle, offering numerous vegan options and restaurants that emphasize sustainability and health. The city might not have as many food trucks as Jacksonville, but it compensates with a vibrant, growing foodie culture that invites exploration and enjoyment.

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart between Jacksonville and Salinas is designed to guide you in finding your new favorite spots, transforming your dining experience in a new city. Below, we explore the culinary parallels that promise to make your transition as delicious as possible.

JacksonvilleSalinasWhat You'll Love
OrsayGiorgio'sFine dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Town HallPatriaOffers an eclectic menu with a cozy, upscale vibe.
Maple Street Biscuit CompanyFirst AwakeningsKnown for their hearty breakfasts and home-like atmosphere.
Black Sheep RestaurantEagle RestaurantCasual dining with a dedication to quality and local sourcing.
Hawkers Asian Street FareYaYa CuisineOffers a fusion of flavors from various Asian cuisines.
Safe Harbor Seafood Market & RestaurantFish House Bar & GrillSeafood lovers will appreciate the fresh, ocean-to-table selections.
Moon River PizzaBoardwalk Sub ShopWhile known for subs, they offer a surprisingly authentic pizza experience.
Bold Bean Coffee RoastersCafe LumiereBoth serve expertly crafted coffee in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Bearded PigSalinas City BBQClassic barbecue joint with a strong focus on traditional methods.
Matthew's RestaurantBella's StudioUpscale dining with an emphasis on artistic presentation and flavors.

Exploring the culinary landscapes of Jacksonville and Salinas reveals more than just food; it's about the experience each dish brings to the table. For instance, Orsay's elegant French-inspired offerings find a mirror in Giorgio's, where the menu is crafted with a similar passion for local ingredients and exquisite flavors. Fans of a more casual and quirky atmosphere, perfectly encapsulated by Maple Street Biscuit Company, will find comfort and warmth in First Awakenings' laid-back vibe and hearty plates. Moreover, if your love for Asian flavors was nurtured by Hawkers Asian Street Fare, YaYa Cuisine is ready to impress with its eclectic and vibrant dishes that take your taste buds on a journey through Asia. Each restaurant on this list not only serves as a bridge between your old and new favorites but also embodies the unique spirit and flavor of their respective cities.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect to consider when planning a move. Understanding how Jacksonville, FL, and Salinas, CA, compare in terms of housing can help you make an informed decision. This comparison includes cost, architecture, and lifestyle scores to give you a comprehensive overview.

ComparisonJacksonvilleSalinas
Typical Architecture StyleModern and RanchSpanish Revival and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, waterfrontProximity to agriculture, scenic views

In comparing Jacksonville, FL, and Salinas, CA, it's evident that housing costs are significantly higher in Salinas. The typical architecture reflects the local culture and history: Jacksonville's modern and ranch-style homes contrast with Salinas's Spanish Revival and Craftsman influences. Both cities offer unique lifestyle qualities, but Salinas scores higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, suggesting a more compact, accessible urban environment. Additionally, real estate listings in Salinas often highlight the areas' rich agricultural surroundings and scenic views, a notable difference from Jacksonville's emphasis on spacious yards and waterfront properties.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salinas, CA

1. South Salinas: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, South Salinas offers several parks and open spaces where your pets can enjoy a walk, including the popular Central Park where dogs can roam freely in designated off-leash areas.

2. CreekBridge: This neighborhood is recognized for its walkable paths and proximity to the Natividad Creek Park, a beautiful place for dog owners looking for scenic walks and outdoor activities to enjoy with their furry friends.

3. Laurelwood: Laurelwood stands out for its quiet streets and access to pet-friendly facilities, including several dog parks and the nearby Petco for all your pet's needs, making it a convenient and pleasant neighborhood for pet owners.

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

When preparing to move from one city to another, understanding how the weather in Jacksonville compares to Salinas is essential. This comparison offers valuable insights into what changes you can expect and how to adapt to your new environment.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

Jacksonville, FL

70°F / 55°F

Salinas, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
65°F / 41°F

Jacksonville, FL

60°F / 40°F

Salinas, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
52"

Jacksonville, FL

15"

Salinas, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Jacksonville, FL

0"

Salinas, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonJacksonvilleSalinas
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Jacksonville to Salinas will offer you a significant change in climate, notably in summer when the temperature drops to a more comfortable range. While Jacksonville enjoys a humid subtropical climate, Salinas experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, which explains the decrease in humidity and warmer winters. Moreover, Salinas boasts more days of sunshine per year, a factor that could greatly enhance your outdoor activities. Despite the milder weather, Salinas does have its share of natural disasters, namely earthquakes and wildfires, which are less common in Jacksonville. Acclimating to these changes will be an essential part of your relocation.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Jacksonville to Salinas

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might be affected. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of how Jacksonville, FL and Salinas, CA measure up in terms of money and finance . Understanding these differences will help you better prepare for the economic landscape ahead.

ComparisonJacksonvilleSalinas
Avg. Household Income$58,621$80,154
Cost of Living Index92.9136.4
State Income Tax0%1-13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.9%0.79%
Avg. Sales Tax7.0%9.25%
Top 3 IndustriesLogistics, Finance, Health ServicesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessNoticeableConcerning

Moving from Jacksonville to Salinas means adjusting to a significantly higher cost of living, largely due to Salinas's proximity to major economic centers in California. The average household income is higher in Salinas, which might help cushion the impact, but the state's income and sales taxes also take a bigger bite out of earnings. While both cities boast diverse leading industries, Salinas's focus on agriculture and manufacturing presents unique job opportunities. Despite higher costs, Salinas's affluence levels and slightly lower property taxes compared to Jacksonville offer a complex but potentially rewarding financial landscape for newcomers.

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

In preparing for your move from Jacksonville, FL to Salinas, CA, it's valuable to understand the communities you'll be transitioning between. This quick overview gives you a comparison of the politics between Jacksonville & Salinas , offering a glimpse into the political leanings and religious affiliations predominant in each city.

JacksonvilleSalinas
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsMixed government, Republican-leaningDominantly Democratic government
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a variety of churches such as Jacksonville Baptist AssociationVaried with a Catholic majority, including locations like Diocese of Monterey

When moving from Jacksonville to Salinas, you'll find yourself transitioning from a city with a conservative slant to one with more liberal leanings. Jacksonville's politics are balanced with a slight Republican edge, reflected in its mixed government structures, whereas Salinas operates under a predominantly Democratic government. This could impact local policies and community initiatives in ways that may be important to you. The religious landscape is also shifting, from the Christian-dominant Jacksonville, with its numerous churches, to Salinas, where Catholicism has a strong presence alongside a broader religious diversity. Understanding these aspects will help you acclimate more smoothly to your new home.

Jacksonville vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Jacksonville & Salinas is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving from Jacksonville, FL to Salinas, CA.

ComparisonJacksonvilleSalinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2523
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?NoYes, but it's challenging

In Jacksonville, you'll find the average commute time to be slightly higher compared to Salinas, likely due to its larger size and more sprawling layout. Traffic congestion in Jacksonville is also more pronounced, a factor that may affect your daily commute. Public transit options are more limited in Jacksonville, making it challenging to get by without a car. In contrast, Salinas offers better public transit availability, though relying solely on it might still present some difficulties. Understanding these differences can significantly impact your decision-making process and overall lifestyle in your new city.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Jacksonville to Salinas Movers Featured Image