Best Boston to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Boston to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,276 mile move from Massachusetts to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 52 Boston 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 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 Boston 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.

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Best Boston to Salinas Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Stairhopper Movers9.669.62Authorized For HHGContact
2Centaur Moving9.609.79Authorized For HHGContact
3Intelligent labor & Moving9.519.55Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Mod Movers8.798.1Authorized For HHGContact
5Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Boston to Salinas

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,276 miles from Boston, MA to Salinas, CA will cost on average $4,567 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Boston to Salinas move is roughly $11,054. 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$3,060300 ft³10.20
1 Bedroom$4,567450 ft³10.15
2 Bedrooms$7,574750 ft³10.10
3 Bedrooms$11,0541100 ft³10.05
4 Bedrooms$15,9991600 ft³10.00
5+ Bedrooms$17,9081800 ft³9.95
*Please note: These Massachusetts to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Massachusetts & 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 MA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Boston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Boston to Salinas 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
Intelligent labor & Moving Logo

Intelligent labor & Moving

Exceptional9.51/10
based on 1,979+ data points

18 Beck Rd

Arlington, MA, 2476

About Intelligent labor & Moving

Established in 2005, Intelligent Labor & Moving is a moving and storage company serving residential and corporate clients in the communities...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance and interstate moving services
  • Cheap moving rates with two or three movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2065664 / 725481

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved43,583 (2023)
View Full Review
3
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
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
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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.

Boston vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with its neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we're offering a comparison of local neighborhoods between Boston, MA & Salinas, CA. By using your current Boston neighborhood as a baseline, we aim to help you find a similar area in Salinas, ensuring a smoother move and a sense of familiarity in your new home.

BostonSalinasHow They're Similar
Back BaySouth SalinasHistoric homes, vibrant main street
Beacon HillMaple ParkQuiet, upscale, historic charm
North EndOldtown SalinasLively, rich cultural heritage
South BostonCreekbridgeFamily-friendly, modern amenities
Jamaica PlainLaurel WoodDiverse community, nature parks
South EndLos OlivosArtsy, culinary scene, residential
CharlestownHardingHistoric, waterfront views, community feel
Fenway-KenmoreUniversity ParkYouthful, vibrant, educational institutions
East BostonMonte BellaDiverse, family-oriented, accessible
DorchesterNorth SalinasCulturally rich, vibrant, expansive

In Boston's Back Bay, with its picturesque Victorian brownstones and boutique shopping along Newbury Street, a similar vibe can be found in South Salinas. Here, historic homes line the streets, and Main Street offers a variety of shopping and dining options, mirroring the Back Bay's charm. For those appreciating the rich cultural heritage and community feel of Boston's North End, Oldtown Salinas provides a lively atmosphere with its diverse cultural festivals and rich history. Meanwhile, Beacon Hill's quiet elegance and historic charm find a counterpart in Maple Park, where tree-lined streets and period homes create a serene residential area. These comparisons aim to make your transition from Boston to Salinas not just about moving locations, but also about finding a new place to call home without losing the essence of what you loved about your Boston neighborhood.

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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 Boston to Salinas

Considering a move from Boston, MA, to Salinas, CA, requires a balanced view. This comparison aims to honestly reflect on the cons and pros of relocating from Boston to Salinas , offering insight into what changes you can expect. Whether it's the climate, lifestyle, or opportunities, understanding both sides will equip you for a better transition.

CONs
PROs
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Colder winters
  • Historical appeal
  • Urban lifestyle
  • Dense population
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • More affordable housing
  • Milder climate
  • Fresher produce
  • Close to nature
  • Smaller community vibe
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Less cultural heritage
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer higher education options
  • More car dependence
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant city life
  • Strong job market
  • Prestigious universities
  • Extensive public transit

Moving from Boston's urban vibe to Salinas's more laid-back lifestyle brings its own set of adjustments. Salinas, known for its agriculture, offers unparalleled access to fresh produce, evident at local markets like the Salinas Valley Food & Wine. The milder climate allows for year-round outdoor activities at nearby attractions such as Salinas' neighborhood parks. While you might miss Boston's historic landmarks and vibrant city life, Salinas offers a tranquil life closer to nature with spots like Elkhorn Slough and Monterey County's scenic beaches. The transition might introduce a smaller job market and quieter nightlife, but it also promises a tight-knit community and a chance to enjoy California's stunning landscapes.

Boston vs. Salinas Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and can significantly influence the experience of living in a new area. In that spirit, we're embarking on a flavorful journey with our comparison of the local cuisine between Boston & Salinas . This comparison is designed to provide you with a better grasp of what your future culinary scene looks like.

BostonSalinas
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderArtichokes
Most popular meat dishLobster RollCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemFried ClamsTacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegetable Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Gino's Fine Italian Food
  • The Steinbeck House
  • Patria
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Delving into the culinary landscapes of Boston and Salinas reveals distinct flavors and dining experiences. Boston's love for seafood is evident in its famous clam chowder and lobster rolls, featured heavily in historic establishments like Union Oyster House. On the flip side, Salinas, nestled in California's agricultural heartland, takes pride in its fresh produce, especially artichokes, and offers a rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine with specialties like carne asada and vegetable tacos found in vibrant locales such as Patria. The food truck scene in Salinas, slightly more abundant than Boston's, reflects its laid-back, eclectic dining culture, inviting exploration and gastronomic adventure.

Boston vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

Finding a place that feels like home is often about the flavors and meals we cherish. This comparison aims to bridge the gap between your favorite Boston eateries and your soon-to-be favorites in Salinas, ensuring a smoother transition to your new locale. By comparing top restaurants in Boston to their Salinas counterparts, we aim to make your move from Boston, MA to Salinas, CA feel like coming home.

BostonSalinasWhat You'll Love
OleanaMonterey Coast BrewingSophisticated dishes with a local twist
Neptune OysterFish House Bar & GrillFresh, high-quality seafood
UniSakura Japanese RestaurantAuthentic Japanese and innovative sushi
No. 9 ParkPatriaOffers an upscale dining experience with unique flavors
Regina PizzeriaGino's Fine Italian FoodTraditional and loved local pizzeria
ToroLa Casa del SazonNotable for its Latin flavors and vibrant atmosphere
Flour Bakery + CafeRed's DonutsRenowned for its baked goods and casual setting
Mike's City DinerEagle RestaurantKnown for hearty portions and a classic diner feel
The Daily CatchPortobello'sA go-to for seafood lovers seeking quality and coziness
SarmaGiorgio's at 201 MainMediterranean influences with a creative touch

Discovering the dining gems Salinas has to offer can be an exciting journey akin to the culinary adventures you cherished in Boston. While Boston's Oleana is known for its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, Salinas offers Monterey Coast Brewing, which delights with locally influenced sophisticated dishes. Seafood lovers transitioning from the Neptune Oyster's iconic Boston harbor menu will find a new haven at Fish House Bar & Grill in Salinas, where the seafood's freshness rivals that of the Atlantic. Regina Pizzeria's loyalists can take solace in Gino's Fine Italian Food, where the essence of Italian traditional pizza lives on. Each establishment in Salinas brings a piece of the world to your plate, ensuring that the flavors of your old Boston haunts are not too far away.

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Ready to start your move?

Boston vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's paramount to understand the real estate landscape of your new city. A thorough comparison between Boston, MA , and Salinas, CA , focusing on aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, can provide invaluable insights. Let's dive into how these two cities measure up in terms of housing .

ComparisonBostonSalinas
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ColonialRanch, Mediterranean
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingAccess to public transportation, historic charmProximity to agriculture, spacious lots

In comparing the housing markets of Boston and Salinas, it's clear each city offers a distinct living experience influenced by historical and geographical factors. Boston, recognized for its Victorian and Colonial architecture, boasts a high walkability score, which reflects its dense, urban character and extensive public transit system. On the other hand, Salinas, nestled in one of the most productive agricultural regions, offers the appealing Ranch and Mediterranean-style homes, typically featuring larger lot sizes which contribute to the city's lower walkability score. Both cities have their unique attractions, whether it's the historic charm and convenience of Boston or the spacious, relaxed lifestyle in Salinas.

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.

Boston vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

If you're planning on moving, understanding the weather differences between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison will highlight the weather variances between Boston and Salinas , shedding light on what you can expect and how you might need to adjust. From the average temperatures and humidity to the air quality and natural disasters, grasp the essentials of your new climate.

Summer icon
82°F/65°F

Boston, MA

70°F/55°F

Salinas, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
36°F/22°F

Boston, MA

62°F/44°F

Salinas, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43.8"

Boston, MA

13.3"

Salinas, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
48"

Boston, MA

0"

Salinas, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonBostonSalinas
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Nor'eastersEarthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Boston to Salinas, you'll notice a significant change in weather patterns. Salinas offers a milder climate with more days of sunshine and virtually no snow, a stark contrast to Boston's harsh winters and abundant snowfall. However, Salinas experiences higher humidity levels and a moderate risk of earthquakes, distinct from the snowstorms and Nor'easters common in Boston. Adjusting your wardrobe and being prepared for different natural disasters will be essential in easing your transition.

Ready to start your move?

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

When deciding to move, it's critical to compare the financial landscapes of your current and future homes. This comparison offers insights into how your lifestyle might change. Comparing Boston, MA to Salinas, CA in terms of money and finance will provide a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of income, living costs, taxes, and more.

ComparisonBostonSalinas
Avg. Household Income$79,283$80,154
Cost of Living Index132.5136.4
State Income Tax59.3
Avg. Property Tax1.20.79
Avg. Sales Tax6.258.75
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, FinanceAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

Moving from Boston to Salinas entails adjusting to a different economic environment. Despite the lower average household income in Salinas, the cost of living index is also lower than in Boston, potentially balancing out the financial differences. However, California's higher state income tax rate might impact your take-home pay more than in Massachusetts. Salinas' economy, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and retail, contrasts with Boston's emphasis on education, health services, and finance, highlighting different job market landscapes. Understanding these nuances will help you plan your move and anticipate changes in your financial situation.

Boston vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Boston, MA, to Salinas, CA, understanding the local communities you'll be joining is crucial. This comparison of the politics between Boston & Salinas offers a snapshot of the political leanings and religious affiliations within these cities, providing insight into the cultural landscape you're about to navigate.

BostonSalinas
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerate/Liberal
Local PoliticsMunicipal focus on education, healthcareAgriculture, community development focus
ReligionCatholic, with varied Protestant and non-Christian faithsCatholic majority, with a spectrum of other Christian denominations

While your relocation from Boston to Salinas may seem daunting, understanding the political and religious climates can ease the transition. Boston’s residents tend to lean towards liberal or Democratic views, similarly, Salinas exhibits a moderate to liberal stance, but with a unique emphasis owing to its strong agricultural community. The municipalities in both cities prioritize different issues based on local industries and the needs of their residents. Boston places a significant focus on education and healthcare reforms, while Salinas is deeply invested in agriculture and community development initiatives. Religion plays a vital role in both communities, with a Catholic majority being present in each. However, Boston's religious landscape is more diverse, reflecting its broader range of ethnicities and cultures. Whether you're looking for a community that shares your political beliefs or a diverse religious environment, you'll find aspects of both in your new home in Salinas.

Boston vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Boston, MA to Salinas, CA? This guide will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like by comparing the traffic and transportation options between Boston & Salinas. Whether you're driving or using public transit, knowing these differences will make your transition smoother.

ComparisonBostonSalinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3025
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesNo

In Boston, the public transportation system, including the MBTA, offers extensive coverage that makes it feasible to live without a car. With a public transit rating of 9 out of 10, you can access most areas of the city and its surroundings easily. On the other hand, Salinas, while having its own public transportation options, does not offer the same level of coverage or convenience, making a car more of a necessity for daily commute and errands. The average commute time is slightly shorter in Salinas, reflecting less traffic congestion compared to Boston. These differences highlight the need to consider your transportation options and commute preferences when moving between these two cities.

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