Best Jacksonville to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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 Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Skinner Moving & Storage | 9.19 | 9.35 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | MoveBright Van Lines | 9.17 | 8.92 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Mod Movers | 8.79 | 8.1 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Sunshine State Movers | 8.78 | 8.58 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Poulos Moving Systems | 8.34 | 8.48 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,738 | 300 ft³ | 9.13 |
1 Bedroom | $4,085 | 450 ft³ | 9.08 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,771 | 750 ft³ | 9.03 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,875 | 1100 ft³ | 8.98 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,284 | 1600 ft³ | 8.93 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,980 | 1800 ft³ | 8.88 |


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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3693001 / 1289107 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,000 (2023) |

MoveBright Van Lines
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3379394 / 1140514 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 500 (2021) |

Mod Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2983026 / 1294330 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |
Sunshine State Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4054744 / 1537260 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |

Poulos Moving Systems
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2618126 / 1016606 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 9 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 39,036 (2022) |

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.
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.
Jacksonville | Salinas | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Riverside | South Salinas | Historic homes, vibrant community |
San Marco | Maple Park | Upscale, artsy vibe |
Avondale | Oldtown Salinas | Quaint shops, local charm |
Mandarin | Creekbridge | Family-friendly, outdoor activities |
Springfield | North Salinas | Historic, diverse community |
Ortega | Laurelwood | Quiet, upscale living |
Beachfront | Del Monte Beach | Beach proximity, laid-back lifestyle |
Murray Hill | Los Olivos | Artsy, up-and-coming |
Five Points | Oldtown Salinas | Eclectic, vibrant nightlife |
Baldwin | Toro Park | Rural 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 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.
- Higher humidity
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer outdoor activities
- Longer hurricane season
- Milder climate
- More cultural diversity
- Rich outdoor lifestyle
- Less severe weather
- Higher cost of living
- Smaller living spaces
- Faster pace of life
- Farther from beaches
- 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.
Jacksonville | Salinas | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Artichoke dishes |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue | Tri-tip steak |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Soul Food | Vegan Mexican Cuisine |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
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.
Jacksonville | Salinas | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Orsay | Giorgio's | Fine dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. |
Town Hall | Patria | Offers an eclectic menu with a cozy, upscale vibe. |
Maple Street Biscuit Company | First Awakenings | Known for their hearty breakfasts and home-like atmosphere. |
Black Sheep Restaurant | Eagle Restaurant | Casual dining with a dedication to quality and local sourcing. |
Hawkers Asian Street Fare | YaYa Cuisine | Offers a fusion of flavors from various Asian cuisines. |
Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant | Fish House Bar & Grill | Seafood lovers will appreciate the fresh, ocean-to-table selections. |
Moon River Pizza | Boardwalk Sub Shop | While known for subs, they offer a surprisingly authentic pizza experience. |
Bold Bean Coffee Roasters | Cafe Lumiere | Both serve expertly crafted coffee in a warm, inviting atmosphere. |
The Bearded Pig | Salinas City BBQ | Classic barbecue joint with a strong focus on traditional methods. |
Matthew's Restaurant | Bella's Studio | Upscale 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.

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.
Comparison | Jacksonville | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Ranch | Spanish Revival and Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, waterfront | Proximity 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 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.
Jacksonville, FL
Salinas, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Jacksonville, FL
Salinas, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Jacksonville, FL
Salinas, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Jacksonville, FL
Salinas, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Jacksonville | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Earthquakes, 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.
Comparison | Jacksonville | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $58,621 | $80,154 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.9 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 1-13.3% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.9% | 0.79% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.0% | 9.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Logistics, Finance, Health Services | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Concerning |
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.
Jacksonville | Salinas | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
Local Politics | Mixed government, Republican-leaning | Dominantly Democratic government |
Religion | Christianity dominant, with a variety of churches such as Jacksonville Baptist Association | Varied 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.
Comparison | Jacksonville | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 23 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes, 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.



Additional Resources
Jacksonville Moving Services
Popular Jacksonville to California Routes
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