Best New Jersey to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from New Jersey to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,921 mile NJ to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 425 New Jersey to California 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 | Big G Movers, INC | 9.53 | 9.6 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Cimply Labor, LLC | 9.38 | 9.6 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | All Brunswick Moving & Storage | 9.30 | 8.79 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | UMEX Moving & Storage | 9.27 | 9.23 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from New Jersey to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,921 miles from New Jersey to California will cost on average $4,265 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom NJ to CA move is roughly $10,316. 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,858 | 300 ft³ | 9.53 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,265 | 450 ft³ | 9.48 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,071 | 750 ft³ | 9.43 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,316 | 1100 ft³ | 9.38 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,925 | 1600 ft³ | 9.33 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,701 | 1800 ft³ | 9.28 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to New Jersey guide.
Popular New Jersey to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best NJ 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) |
Big G Movers, INC
26 Oliver St Suite 001
Metuchen, NJ, 08840
About Big G Movers, INC
Located in Metuchen, Big G Movers is one of the top-rated hometown movers in New Jersey. This family-owned and operated business...
Services
- Local Residential Moving
- East Coast Long Distance Moving
- Office & Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2358159 / 807903 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 19,500 (2022) |
Cimply Labor, LLC
117 New Jersey 35 Stes 6, 7 & 8
Keyport, NJ, 07735
About Cimply Labor, LLC
Cimply Labor, LLC is a moving company based in New Jersey that aims to make the moving process simple and easy...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2988167 / 68577 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2023) |
All Brunswick Moving & Storage
182k Ridge Rd
Dayton, NJ, 08810
About All Brunswick Moving & Storage
All Brunswick Moving & Storage is a full-service moving company in Dayton that has been serving customers throughout the state of...
Services
- Residential Moves
- Corporate Relocation
- International Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 866526 / 97183 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 110,000 (2024) |
UMEX Moving & Storage
55 Madison Ave Suite 400
Morristown, NJ, 7960
About UMEX Moving & Storage
UMEX Moving & Storage services Morris, Hudson, Bergen, and Essex Counties with safe and efficient relocations. Its staff members are experts...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Local moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 686881 / 305175 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 172,000 (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 New Jersey to California
Moving states can be a daunting yet exhilarating experience. This is particularly true when transitioning from New Jersey to California, offering a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Our comparison aims to honestly reflect the good and bad attributes of this relocation, directly contrasting New Jersey's drawbacks with California's benefits, and vice versa. Understanding these differing aspects can help you make a more informed decision about your move.
New Jersey- Harsh winters
- Higher property taxes
- Dense population
- Less outdoor activities
California- Milder winters
- Lower property taxes
- More open spaces
- Abundant outdoor activities
California- Far from NYC
- Higher living costs
- Long travel times
- Younger cities
New Jersey- Proximity to NYC
- Lower living costs
- Compact state
- Richer history
Moving from New Jersey’s densely populated cities to California’s expansive open landscapes opens up a wealth of outdoor activities - from hiking the stunning trails of Yosemite National Park to enjoying the beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. While you may miss the historical richness of cities like Trenton or the proximity to New York City, California offers its own unique culture. Cities like San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant neighborhood of Fisherman's Wharf, or Los Angeles, known for the Universal Studios Hollywood and an unparalleled entertainment scene, are bustling with activity and opportunities. Despite the higher cost of living in some Californian cities, the state's investment in public parks, diverse cuisines, and innovative industries makes it an attractive destination for many.
New Jersey vs. California Food Guide
Food is not just a necessity; it's a vibrant part of local culture and an essential aspect of what it's like to live in a specific area. With this in mind, we aim to enlighten you by comparing the local cuisine between New Jersey & California so you can better grasp the gastronomic scene of your new home.
| New Jersey | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Hot Dog | Tri-tip BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Salt Water Taffy | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Italian Seitan Sandwich | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from New Jersey to California, you'll find the culinary landscape vastly different. In New Jersey, the comfort of a Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich from a local diner like Top's Diner in East Newark can start your day right. Meanwhile, California's penchant for health-conscious and vegan options means you can enjoy a fresh Avocado Toast at spots like Café Gratitude in Los Angeles. The vibrant food truck scene in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles unveils a world of flavors, from gourmet Street Tacos to innovative fusion dishes, embodying California’s diverse culinary ethos. Moreover, if you're keen on exploring high-profile dining options, California's iconic restaurants like Spago Beverly Hills offer a glimpse into the state's rich foodie scene.
Ready to start your move?
New Jersey vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate market in both your current and future states is crucial. This comparison between New Jersey and California highlights key housing aspects, offering insights into cost, architecture, and lifestyle. By comparing these factors, you're better equipped to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | New Jersey | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Spanish Revival, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to NYC, hardwood floors | Ocean views, solar panels |
Moving from New Jersey to California, you'll notice not just a leap in median home prices and monthly rents, but also a distinct shift in the architectural landscape. California's affinity for Spanish Revival and modern architectures offers a refreshing change from the more traditional Colonial and Victorian styles predominant in New Jersey. Moreover, California's higher walkability and bikeability scores promise a more active and outdoor-oriented lifestyle, perfectly complementing the state's urban lifestyle rating. Notably, Californian real estate often boasts features like ocean views and solar panels, reflecting the state's environmental consciousness and beautiful landscapes, a contrast to New Jersey's emphasis on proximity to New York City and interior amenities.
New Jersey vs. California Weather Considerations
When planning a move from New Jersey to California, understanding the weather differences is crucial for a comfortable transition. This comparison will highlight how the weather varies between New Jersey and California , essential for preparing for your new environment.
New Jersey
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
New Jersey
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
New Jersey
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
New Jersey
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | New Jersey | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Varies widely, some areas poor |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Snowstorms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from New Jersey to California, you'll notice significant changes, especially in winter temperatures, sunshine days, and natural disaster risks. California offers milder winters and more sunny days, contributing to an active outdoor lifestyle year-round. However, it's essential to prepare for California's specific challenges, such as higher UV indices leading to increased sun protection needs and varying air quality across the state, which can impact respiratory health. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more quickly to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New Jersey to California
When planning a move from one state to another, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. Whether moving from New Jersey to California, it's important to grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and general economic environment will compare to your current situation.
| Comparison | New Jersey | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $96,346 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 129.7 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 1.4 - 10.75 | 1 - 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.49 | 0.77 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.6 | 8.56 |
| Top 3 Industries | Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Highly affluent | Varied, highly affluent in places |
| Poverty | Moderate | High in certain areas |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Significantly high |
Moving from New Jersey to California, you'll face a higher cost of living index in California, principally due to housing costs. However, California's vast economy, anchored by technology, agriculture, and entertainment, offers diverse job opportunities. While New Jersey boasts a higher average household income and is considered highly affluent, California's affluence varies significantly by region. Be aware that despite its economic opportunities, California struggles with higher rates of poverty and homelessness in certain areas compared to New Jersey. Tax rates also differ; while New Jersey has higher property taxes, California's top income tax rate is among the highest in the country. These factors make financial planning essential for your move.
New Jersey vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
When contemplating a move from New Jersey to California, understanding the demographic landscape is crucial. This quick comparison aims to provide a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between New Jersey & California, helping you grasp the social nuances that might influence your day-to-day life in these states.
| New Jersey | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate, with significant urban Democratic lean | Progressive, especially in urban areas |
| Religion | Catholicism predominant, diverse religious communities | Less religiously affiliated, diverse spiritual practices |
While both New Jersey and California lean Democratic, the political climate in California is more distinctly progressive, particularly in urban regions like San Francisco and Los Angeles. This might affect local policies that influence various aspects of life, including environmental regulations, social justice initiatives, and economic policies. Religiously, New Jersey exhibits a more traditional bent with Catholicism being the predominant faith, whereas California's residents tend to be less religiously affiliated, reflecting a wide spectrum of beliefs and practices. These disparities hint at the broader cultural differences you might encounter, shaping your social interactions and community involvement.
Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to California
Moving from New Jersey to California offers a unique opportunity to explore different educational landscapes. By comparing schools and education, you can better understand what the comparisons are between school options in New Jersey and California . This guide aims to smooth your transition, highlighting critical differences in educational offerings.
| New Jersey | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Rutgers University Princeton University Montclair State UniversityUniversity of California (Berkeley) University of California (Los Angeles) Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton) Princeton Charter School (Princeton) Riverside Elementary School (Princeton)Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes) Westlake Elementary School (Santa Cruz) Reed Elementary School (Tiburon) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Princeton Charter School (Princeton) Thomas Grover Middle School (West Windsor) Community Middle School (Plainsboro)Henry E. Huntington Middle School (San Marino) Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael) Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (Irvine) | |
Top 3 High Schools High Technology High School (Lincroft) Bergen County Academies (Hackensack) Princeton High School (Princeton)Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Whitney High School (Cerritos) | |
Top 3 Private High Schools The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville) The Pingry School (Basking Ridge) Delbarton School (Morristown)Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) The Thacher School (Ojai) The College Preparatory School (Oakland) | |
Top 3 Private K-12 Schools The Pingry School (Basking Ridge) Morristown-Beard School (Morristown) Newark Academy (Livingston)Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City) The Thacher School (Ojai) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) | |
Top 3 School Districts Princeton Public Schools Millburn Township Schools West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School DistrictPalo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School District Irvine Unified School District | |
When comparing the educational environments of New Jersey and California, notable differences arise, particularly in the opportunities and environments offered by top schools and districts. For instance, New Jersey boasts prestigious institutions like Rutgers University and Princeton University, which attract many local graduates. In contrast, California is home to world-renowned universities such as Stanford and the University of California campuses. Furthermore, the top high schools in California, such as Henry M. Gunn High School and the California Academy of Mathematics and Science, offer unique programs focusing on technology and sciences, reflecting California's status as a tech hub. Such differences underscore the importance of considering individual educational needs and goals when moving between these two diverse states.
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