Best Maine to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Maine to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,233 mile ME to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 298 Maine 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 - $11,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Maine 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 Maine 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 | SC Moving Services | 9.19 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 4 | Vacationland Moving | 9.03 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists | 8.65 | 8.24 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | Local Muscle Movers | 8.43 | 9.13 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Maine to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,233 miles from Maine to California will cost on average $4,531 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom ME to CA move is roughly $10,965. 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 Maine 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 Maine to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,035 | 300 ft³ | 10.12 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,531 | 450 ft³ | 10.07 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,513 | 750 ft³ | 10.02 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,965 | 1100 ft³ | 9.97 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,869 | 1600 ft³ | 9.92 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $17,762 | 1800 ft³ | 9.87 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Maine guide.
Popular Maine to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best ME 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) |
SC Moving Services
25 Augusta St
South Portland, ME, 04106
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2324405 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2016) |
Vacationland Moving
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Moving1484 Maine St Apt 1
Poland, ME, 04274
About Vacationland Moving
Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest moving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3540196 / 1181718 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2024) |
Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists
127 Oxford St
Portland, ME, 04101
About Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists
Earle W. Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists has been moving Maine families and businesses for over 90 years. Family-owned and operated...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Move
- Overseas Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 51022 / 38092 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 17,000 (2023) |
Local Muscle Movers
511 Riverside Industrial Pkwy
Portland, ME, 04103
About Local Muscle Movers
Local Muscle Movers is a trusted moving company with over ten years of experience. This local Portland, ME moving service offers...
Services
- Local moving
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2162841 / 822854 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 25 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 70,000 (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 Maine to California
Moving across the country is a major decision, and it's important to weigh all factors carefully. This guide aims to provide a balanced comparison between Maine and California , highlighting the pros and cons of each to help make your decision easier. Whether it's the climate, lifestyle, or job opportunities that are guiding your move, these charts offer an honest reflection of what to expect.
Maine- Cold winters
- Smaller economy
- Less diversity
- Limited nightlife
California- Sunnier climate
- Larger job market
- Greater cultural diversity
- Vibrant nightlife
California- Busy cities
- Higher cost of living
- More impersonal
- Less accessible nature
Maine- Quiet countryside
- Lower cost of living
- Strong local communities
- Abundant nature
Moving from Maine to California presents a dramatic lifestyle change. In California, cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles offer incredible job opportunities, particularly in tech and entertainment sectors. The vibrant nightlife in areas such as the Laugh Factory in Hollywood or San Francisco's Mission District, provide endless entertainment options. Despite the higher cost of living, the trade-offs include enjoying sunny beaches all year round and having access to a melting pot of cultural experiences. Conversely, Maine's appeal lies in its tranquil settings, lower cost of living, and strong sense of community, offering a completely different but equally enriching lifestyle.
Maine vs. California Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Maine & California—two vastly different states with rich culinary scenes. Understanding the local food culture is vital to getting a real taste of your new home. This guide will help you navigate these flavors, setting your culinary expectations for your big move.
| Maine | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Sushi |
| Most popular meat dish | Lobster | Taco |
| Most popular street food item | Italian Sandwich | Fish Taco |
| Most popular vegan food | Blueberry Pie (vegan versions) | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving from Maine to California, you'll transition from the hearty seafood and comforting pies characteristic of New England to a kaleidoscope of flavors influenced by California's diverse cultures. Lobster dishes are a staple in Maine, found everywhere from the docks of Portland to the coziest diners in small towns. Upon reaching California, sushi and tacos, especially fish tacos, take center stage, reflecting the state’s rich Mexican heritage and its proximity to the ocean. Avocado toast epitomizes California's health-conscious and vegan-friendly vibe, easily found in trendy LA neighborhoods like Silver Lake or at landmark cafes in San Francisco. Iconic eateries such as In-N-Out Burger offer a taste of California's fast-food culture, while higher-end places like Gjelina in Venice showcase the state’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Ready to start your move?
Maine vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, evaluating the real estate market is crucial to understanding how Maine and California compare. This comparison dives into the housing attributes such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, providing a comprehensive look at what each state offers.
| Comparison | Maine | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Cape Cod, Colonial | Spanish, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront, Privacy | Sustainable Features, Tech Integrations |
The discrepancy between the median home prices and monthly rent in Maine and California reflects the significant difference in the cost of living between these two states. While Maine offers a more affordable entry into homeownership and renting, California, particularly its urban centers, provides a vibrant urban lifestyle that's highly sought after. The typical architecture in Maine, such as Cape Cod and Colonial styles, caters to those looking for timeless, traditional homes. In contrast, California's inclination towards Spanish and modern architecture reflects its varied cultural influences and a forward-thinking mindset, notably with sustainable features and tech integrations being popular among listings. Notably, both states offer distinct lifestyles but with evident differences in affordability and living preferences.
Maine vs. California Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one region to another, understanding the weather differences is crucial to prepare for the change. This guide helps compare the climate aspects between Maine and California , ensuring you're well-informed about how your daily life and activities might be influenced by your new environment.
Maine
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Maine
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Maine
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Maine
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Maine | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Generally Good | Varies, Some Areas Poor |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Ice | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When transitioning from Maine to California, you'll note not just the increase in sunny days but also a major shift in seasonal weather patterns, humidity, and average temperatures. California boasts a more moderate climate year-round, with less variation between seasons compared to Maine's distinct cold winters and mild summers. Additionally, while Maine residents are more accustomed to dealing with snowstorms, moving to California introduces the likelihood of earthquakes and wildfires. The difference in air quality and natural disasters signifies the importance of local awareness and preparedness in your new Californian home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Maine to California
When planning a move from one state to another, assessing financial implications is crucial. This comparison is designed to help you understand how moving from Maine to California will affect aspects of your money and finance. It aims to prepare you for the differences in living costs, taxes, and economic environments you'll encounter.
| Comparison | Maine | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,543 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.5 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 7.15 | Up to 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.36 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 8.56 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Tourism | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
When comparing Maine and California, it's evident that while California offers a higher average household income, it also demands a considerably higher cost of living. This discrepancy is reflected sharply in the Cost of Living Index, where California stands significantly above the national average. Additionally, the state income tax in California is among the highest in the nation, potentially offsetting the higher income advantage. These financial dynamics are crucial for planning your move, especially in budgeting for housing and daily expenses, considering the higher property and sales tax rates in California. Moreover, the economic environment is diversified in both states, with California leading in technology, agriculture, and entertainment, offering a broad spectrum of job opportunities but also presenting challenges such as higher rates of poverty and homelessness.
Maine vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Maine to California offers a distinctive change not just in scenery, but in the community you'll become a part of. This quick comparison provides insight into the political and religious makeup between Maine & California, helping you understand the diverse views and beliefs of your future neighbors.
| Maine | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Largely independent with a slight Democratic lean | Predominantly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Community-focused, with significant local engagement | Progressive policies with high emphasis on social issues |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, but with a high rate of non-affiliated individuals | Diverse, with Christianity being major; significant non-religious and other faiths present |
When you move from Maine to California, you'll notice significant variances in the political landscape and religious affiliations of your neighbors. Maine's political environment encourages independence and local community engagement, often leading to a balanced mix in political affiliations. Conversely, California is known for its progressive stance and strong Democratic lean, particularly on social issues, reflecting its diverse population. Religiously, both states have a Christian majority but differ in diversity; California's population includes a broader mix of beliefs and a substantial percentage of non-religious individuals. This shift reflects the broader spectrum of cultures and perspectives you'll encounter on the West Coast.
Education Guide When Moving from Maine to California
Moving from Maine to California can bring significant changes, especially in educational options. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Maine and California, ensuring you make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.
| Maine | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Maine Bates College Bowdoin CollegeUniversity of California Los Angeles Stanford University California Institute of Technology | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Cape Elizabeth School Falmouth Elementary Yarmouth SchoolsPoint Vicente Elementary Pacific Rim Elementary Ocean Air Elementary | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Yarmouth Middle School Cape Elizabeth Middle School Falmouth Middle SchoolHenry E. Huntington Middle School Carmel Valley Middle School Rancho San Joaquin Middle School | |
Top 3 High Schools Falmouth High School Yarmouth High School Cape Elizabeth High SchoolWhitney High School Oxford Academy Monta Vista High School | |
Top 3 private high schools Waynflete School Portland; John Bapst Memorial High School Bangor; Berwick Academy South BerwickHarvard-Westlake School Los Angeles; The Harker School San Jose; The Thacher School Ojai | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools North Yarmouth Academy Waynflete School Kents Hill SchoolCrossroads School for Arts & Sciences Los Angeles; The Webb Schools Claremont; Chadwick School Palos Verdes Peninsula | |
Top 3 School Districts Yarmouth Schools Falmouth School District Cape Elizabeth School DepartmentSan Ramon Valley Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District Irvine Unified School District | |
When it comes to education, both Maine and California offer highly rated schools, but they each have their unique strengths. For instance, University of California, San Diego, and Stanford University are renowned for their research opportunities and innovation, making California a prime choice for those interested in cutting-edge science and technology fields. On the other hand, Maine's liberal arts colleges like Bates and Bowdoin College provide intimate educational settings known for fostering personal growth and intellectual development. Additionally, California's top high schools, such as Whitney High School and Monta Vista High School, are recognized nationally for their rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular programs, offering students a well-rounded preparation for college and beyond. Choosing the right school will significantly depend on your child's specific educational needs, interests, and long-term goals.
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