Best North Carolina to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from North Carolina to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,652 mile NC to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 412 North Carolina 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 $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 | Just Move It, LLC | 9.50 | 9.43 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Illuminated Moving & Packing | 9.47 | 9.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
| 6 | Greenville Moving Company | 9.41 | 9.48 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from North Carolina to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,652 miles from North Carolina to California will cost on average $4,036 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom NC to CA move is roughly $9,757. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,706 | 300 ft³ | 9.02 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,036 | 450 ft³ | 8.97 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,690 | 750 ft³ | 8.92 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,757 | 1100 ft³ | 8.87 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,112 | 1600 ft³ | 8.82 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $15,786 | 1800 ft³ | 8.77 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to North Carolina guide.
Popular North Carolina to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best NC 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) |
Just Move It, LLC
PO Box 13774
Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709
About Just Move It, LLC
Just Move It offers some of the best local and long-distance moving rates. But that’s not all that makes it great....
Services
- Local & Long-Distance Moving
- Packing Services
- Commercial & Office Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3250986 / 1148366 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 10 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 180,000 (2023) |
Illuminated Moving & Packing
Hendersonville, NC, 28739
About Illuminated Moving & Packing
Illuminated Moving & Packing is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Asheville, NC, serving surrounding areas such as...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3605341 / 1226097 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Greenville Moving Company
301 Goldsmith St
Greenville, SC, 29609
About Greenville Moving Company
Established in 2022, Greenville Moving Company is a locally-owned business offering comprehensive moving services in Greenville, SC and the Upstate area....
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3808401 / 1384411 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to California
Moving across the country from North Carolina to California is a significant life event. This relocation guide aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from North Carolina to California . Through a comparative approach, we explore how each state measures up in terms of lifestyle, climate, opportunities, and challenges.
North Carolina- Higher humidity
- Less diverse economy
- Lower average salaries
- Smaller tech industry
California- Milder climate
- Stronger job markets
- Higher average incomes
- Larger tech hub
California- Higher cost of living
- More crowded
- Less water availability
- More expensive housing
North Carolina- Lower cost of living
- Accessible outdoor activities
- Bountiful greenspaces
- Rich cultural history
In deciding to move from North Carolina to California, you're exchanging the lush, wide-open spaces and a slower pace of life for a dynamic, diverse environment with an unbeatable climate. California offers breathtaking landscapes from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Pacific Coast. You'll find world-renowned attractions like Disneyland in Anaheim, the innovative tech landscape of Silicon Valley, and the cultural richness of cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, it's also a trade-off with a significantly higher cost of living, particularly in housing. On the flip side, North Carolina's serene Blue Ridge Parkway, historic Asheville, and rapidly growing tech scene in the Research Triangle Park offer compelling reasons to stay. Yet, for many, the allure of California—from the multitude of job opportunities in thriving industries to the vast array of outdoor and cultural experiences—makes the move a worthy adventure.
North Carolina vs. California Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between North Carolina & California sheds light on the flavorful diversity awaiting those moving between these states. An essential dimension of local culture, understanding the food scene is key to truly experiencing what life in either state has to offer.
| North Carolina | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pulled pork BBQ | Fish tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Eastern-style BBQ | Tri-tip |
| Most popular street food item | Boiled peanuts | Street tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Barbecue jackfruit | Avocado toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the diversity and abundance of fresh produce play a central role in its vibrant food scene. Artisanal takes on simple dishes like fish tacos can be found in the coastal regions from San Diego to San Francisco. Meanwhile, veganism is not just a trend but a lifestyle, with restaurants in areas like Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood creatively catering to this demand. The state's health-conscious ethos is reflected not only in the prevalence of vegan options but also in the sheer variety of food trucks offering everything from gourmet bites to international cuisines.
Ready to start your move?
North Carolina vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the differences in real estate aspects is crucial when considering a move. Here, we aim to compare how North Carolina and California stack up against each other in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle. This comparison will provide valuable insights for your upcoming move.
| Comparison | North Carolina | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Garages | Ocean views, Smart Home Features |
The stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rent between North Carolina and California reflects the significantly different cost of living in each state. While housing in North Carolina is more traditionally styled with Colonial Revival being prominent and listings often boast large yards and garages, Californian homes lean towards modern and Spanish architectural styles with features such as ocean views and smart home technology being highly sought after. Urban lifestyle ratings also highlight California's greater emphasis on walkability and bikeability, making it a more appealing state for those who prefer city living and the ability to easily navigate their surroundings without a car.
North Carolina vs. California Weather Considerations
Moving involves adapting to new environments, and understanding the weather differences between North Carolina and California is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will provide insights on what to expect and how to prepare for your new climate.
North Carolina
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
North Carolina
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
North Carolina
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
North Carolina
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | North Carolina | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Varies widely, Generally Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When transition from North Carolina to California, you'll delight in more sunny days and milder winters but must adapt to lower annual rainfall and the potential for wildfires, an uncommon natural disaster in North Carolina. While humidity is lower in California, leading to more comfortable summers, the varied topography dramatically affects local climates, meaning weather can significantly change from one area to another. For example, coastal areas enjoy moderate temperatures year-round, while inland areas can experience more extreme temperatures. Understanding these nuances will help you adjust to your new environment more quickly.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from North Carolina to California
When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how financial factors such as cost of living and taxes compare to your current situation. Understanding the financial implications of moving from North Carolina to California is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to provide you with a clear financial landscape of both states.
| Comparison | North Carolina | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.85 | 0.77 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.95 | 8.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Banking | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Higher |
While North Carolina and California both offer vibrant economies and diverse opportunities, the financial landscapes of these states differ significantly. California's average household income is notably higher than North Carolina's, reflecting both the thriving industries and the higher cost of living. However, this higher income is accompanied by significantly higher living costs and taxes, particularly in housing and state income tax, underscoring the importance of budgeting for these expenses. Additionally, both states have powerful industries, with technology leading in both, yet they differ in secondary industries, affecting job opportunities. Despite California's affluence, it also faces higher rates of poverty and homelessness, a crucial factor to consider for social and community engagement.
North Carolina vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
This guide provides a quick overview to help you understand the comparison of the politics between North Carolina & California and the religious landscape of these states. It's designed to give you a snapshot of the demographic and cultural environment you're moving into.
| North Carolina | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately conservative, swing state in federal elections | Liberal, solidly Democratic in federal elections |
| Local Politics | Varies widely with conservative rural areas and liberal urban centers | Largely liberal, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco |
| Religion | Christianity predominates, with a strong Evangelical presence | More religiously diverse, with lower overall religiosity and significant non-Christian communities |
While both states offer a diverse range of opinions and beliefs, the political and religious landscapes are markedly different. In North Carolina, the political makeup is more evenly split, with a notable conservative tilt, especially in rural areas. Religion, particularly Christianity, plays a significant role in many communities. California, on the other hand, leans heavily Democratic, with liberal politics dominating especially in major urban centers. Additionally, California's religious landscape is much more varied, with a higher presence of non-religious individuals and a broad spectrum of faiths beyond Christianity. Understanding these differences will help you acclimate to your new home.
Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to California
Moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to choosing the best educational opportunities for your family. To help you navigate this transition, we’ve compared North Carolina and California schools in several key categories. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in North Carolina and California, making your move as smooth as possible.
| North Carolina | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University Duke UniversityUniversity of California Los Angeles University of Southern California University of California Berkeley | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte) Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville) Quest Academy (Raleigh)Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes) Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills) Canyon View Elementary (Irvine) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Jay M Robinson Middle School (Charlotte) Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill) Piedmont IB Middle School (Charlotte)Henry E. Huntington Middle School (San Marino) Joaquin Miller Middle School (San Jose) Lakeside Middle School (Irvine) | |
Top 3 High Schools North Carolina School of Science and Math (Durham) Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Myers Park High School (Charlotte)Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) Torrey Pines High School (San Diego) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) | |
Top 3 private high schools Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte) Durham Academy (Durham) Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Harker School (San Jose) Phillips Academy (Andover) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Cary Academy (Cary) Greensboro Day School (Greensboro) Providence Day School (Charlotte)Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The College Preparatory School (Oakland) Viewpoint School (Calabasas) | |
Top 3 School Districts Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg SchoolsPalo Alto Unified School District Irvine Unified School District San Marino Unified School District | |
As you can see from the comparison, both North Carolina and California offer excellent educational opportunities, from renowned public and private schools to prestigious universities. For example, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of California, Los Angeles, are both highly ranked institutions that attract students nationwide. North Carolina's Charlotte Latin School and California's Harvard-Westlake School are examples of top-tier private high schools offering robust academic and extracurricular programs. This disparity in educational landscapes underlines the importance of considering educational opportunities in your decision-making process when relocating. Whether your priority is advanced STEM programs, arts education, or a strong sense of community, you'll find schools in both states that cater to diverse educational needs and aspirations.
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