Best Pennsylvania to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Pennsylvania to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,734 mile PA to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 410 Pennsylvania 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 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 | Pittsburgh Moving | 9.62 | 9.51 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | EverSafe Moving Co. | 9.50 | 9.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC | 9.47 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Pennsylvania to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,734 miles from Pennsylvania to California will cost on average $4,106 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom PA to CA move is roughly $9,927. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,752 | 300 ft³ | 9.17 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,106 | 450 ft³ | 9.12 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,806 | 750 ft³ | 9.07 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,927 | 1100 ft³ | 9.02 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,360 | 1600 ft³ | 8.97 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,065 | 1800 ft³ | 8.92 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Pennsylvania guide.
Popular Pennsylvania to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best PA 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) |
Pittsburgh Moving
5746 Pierce St
Pittsburgh, PA, 15232
About Pittsburgh Moving
Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...
Services
- Local move in Pittsburgh
- Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
- Residential move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3901080 / 1437162 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |
EverSafe Moving Co.
8701 Torresdale Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19136
About EverSafe Moving Co.
Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to...
Services
- Local Movers
- Long-distance Movers
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261303 / 771755 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 15,000 (2021) |
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC
Harrisburg, PA, 17120
About Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal is a BBB-accredited moving company in Mechanicsburg that services Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and all surrounding areas...
Services
- Local & long-distance moving
- Commercial moving
- Labor-only moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3011826 / 59310 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2023) |
Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC
1231 Pine Grove Rd
Yardley, PA, 19067
About Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC
Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC is a family-owned and operated business that offers various moving and storage solutions in Southeastern...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Relocation
- Packing & Crating
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3375156 / 1082634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (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 Pennsylvania to California
Moving from one state to another can be a significant life change, filled with both opportunities and challenges. This guide provides a balanced look at relocating from Pennsylvania to California, offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad. The purpose of the upcoming charts is to directly compare the life changes when moving from Pennsylvania to California, ensuring you make an informed decision about this major move.
Pennsylvania- Colder winters
- Smaller tech sector
- Less diverse cuisine
- Fewer national parks
- Lower avg. salary
California- Milder winters
- Larger tech industry
- More diverse food options
- More national parks
- Higher avg. salary
California- Higher cost of living
- Fewer historical sites
- More urbanized
- Heavier traffic
- Less affordable housing
Pennsylvania- Lower cost of living
- Rich historical sites
- Cozy small towns
- Less traffic congestion
- More affordable housing
Although the decision to move from Pennsylvania to California presents challenges like the higher cost of living and more urbanized areas, it also opens up opportunities that align with various lifestyles and career paths. California's vibrant food scene, for example, offers an incredible variety of cuisines, from the renowned sushi in Los Angeles to authentic Mexican food in San Diego. Additionally, the tech industry in Silicon Valley is a powerful magnet for professionals looking to advance their careers. For nature lovers, California's vast number of national parks, such as Yosemite and Sequoia, provide endless outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Despite the higher expenses, neighborhoods like the Mission District in San Francisco or Silver Lake in Los Angeles are teeming with creative energy, diversity, and unique restaurants like Tartine Bakery or Guisados, making them worth the investment for many.
Pennsylvania vs. California Food Guide
When considering a move, food plays a crucial role in experiencing local culture and understanding what life in a new area will be like. In order to make this transition smoother for you, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Pennsylvania & California, highlighting what each has to offer so you can be better informed about the food scene in your new home.
| Pennsylvania | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork Roll | Tri-Tip |
| Most popular street food item | Pretzel | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Cheesesteak | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Both Pennsylvania and California offer unique and vibrant culinary scenes that reflect their diverse cultures and histories. In Pennsylvania, especially in cities like Philadelphia, the cheesesteak reigns supreme, with places like Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks drawing in crowds daily. However, if you're making the move to California, get ready to embrace a health-conscious lifestyle, where options like avocado toast and farm-to-table dining experiences at restaurants like Gjelina in Los Angeles are plentiful. California's emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is evident in its versatile food scene, ranging from the iconic street tacos found in food trucks lining Venice Beach to the sophisticated dishes served at The French Laundry in Yountville.
Ready to start your move?
Pennsylvania vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a significant move, delving into the intricacies of real estate is crucial for a smooth transition from Pennsylvania to California. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle between these states can significantly impact your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, historic details | Open-floor plans, eco-friendly features |
While the median home price in California towers over that in Pennsylvania, reflecting the Golden State's higher cost of living, California also tends to offer homes with modern, eco-friendly features which cater to an increasing demand for sustainable living. The diverse architecture found between these states speaks to their unique cultural and historical identities—Pennsylvania with its rich colonial heritage, and California with its modern and Spanish influences. Moreover, California edges out Pennsylvania in terms of bikeability and urban lifestyle, which might appeal to those looking for a more active and outdoorsy way of life. Whether you’re drawn to the spacious yards and historic details of Pennsylvania or the open-floor plans and eco-conscious design of California homes, weighing these factors against personal preferences and priorities is key.
Pennsylvania vs. California Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Pennsylvania to California, it's crucial to understand how the weather comparison between these two states will affect your daily life and seasonal planning. This comparison sheds light on key differences and similarities you'll experience, helping you adjust to your new surroundings with ease.
Pennsylvania
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Pennsylvania
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Pennsylvania
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Pennsylvania
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable | Varies; worse in urban centers |
| Natural Disasters | Thunderstorms, Snowstorms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Pennsylvania and California both enjoy warm summers, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s, their winter climates are markedly different. In Pennsylvania, winter temperatures average between 21°F and 37°F, whereas California's winters are milder, with averages between 45°F and 60°F. Moreover, California offers significantly more sunshine throughout the year, with 284 sunny days compared to Pennsylvania's 179. This difference can impact daily life, mood, and outdoor activity levels. The natural disaster risks also shift from thunderstorms and snowstorms in Pennsylvania to earthquakes and wildfires in California, highlighting the importance of preparedness in your new home state.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Pennsylvania to California
Moving from one location to another involves a significant adjustment, especially when it comes to your finances. Understanding how the cost of living and income opportunities in Pennsylvania and California compare to what you're accustomed to can help you make a smoother transition. This guide aims to provide a clear comparison to aid in your financial planning for the move.
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07 | 1-13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.50 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.34 | 8.82 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | Very High |
When moving from Pennsylvania to California, you'll face crucial financial adjustments. California boasts a significantly higher average household income than Pennsylvania, which can be appealing. However, this is counterbalanced by a much higher cost of living, including a stark difference in the sales tax and a variable state income tax that can go up to 13.3%. This adjustment requires careful financial planning, especially considering California's higher level of affluence alongside its notable issues with poverty and homelessness. Additionally, the dominant industries in each state suggest potential career paths or business opportunities that could influence your decision to move.
Pennsylvania vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Pennsylvania to California offers much more than a change of scenery. It’s about diving into diverse cultures and communities. This comparison provides a quick glance at the politics between Pennsylvania & California , along with a peek into the religious makeup of their residents, equipping you with knowledge for a smooth transition.
| Pennsylvania | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Swing State | Democratic Stronghold |
| Local Politics | Moderately Conservative in Rural Areas | Liberal, especially in Urban Areas |
| Religion | Christian Predominance | Diverse Religious Landscape |
While Pennsylvania often plays a pivotal role in national elections due to its swing state status, California is known for its firm Democratic leanings, particularly evident in its major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This political disposition influences both local policy and social culture significantly. In terms of religious make-up, Pennsylvania's communities are predominantly Christian, with a strong presence of Catholic and Protestant believers. In contrast, California boasts a much more diverse religious landscape, reflecting its multicultural population. This diversity enriches community life and offers a wide array of cultural experiences, festivals, and houses of worship, accommodating people from various faith backgrounds.
Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to California
Moving from Pennsylvania to California opens up a new realm of educational opportunities for your family. Understanding the differences between school options is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Pennsylvania and California , focusing on various educational institutions.
| Pennsylvania | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Pennsylvania Penn State University Carnegie Mellon UniversityUniversity of California Los Angeles University of Southern California Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wallace A. Conwell School Media Ad Prima Charter School Philadelphia Upper Dublin School Fort WashingtonPoint Vicente Elementary School Rancho Palos Verdes Old Orchard Elementary School Valencia La Cañada Elementary School La Cañada Flintridge | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Julia R. Masterman Secondary School Philadelphia Radnor Middle School Wayne Haverford Middle School HavertownHenry E. Huntington Middle School San Marino Canyon Charter Elementary School Santa Monica Chaparral Middle School Diamond Bar | |
Top 3 High Schools Julia R. Masterman Secondary School Philadelphia Conestoga High School Berwyn Central High School PhiladelphiaHenry M. Gunn High School Palo Alto California Academy of Mathematics and Science Carson Troy High School Fullerton | |
Top 3 private high schools The Haverford School Haverford Shady Side Academy Pittsburgh William Penn Charter School PhiladelphiaHarvard-Westlake School Los Angeles The Webb Schools Claremont Phillips Academy Andover (CA Branch) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Moravian Academy Bethlehem Friends' Central School Wynnewood Germantown Friends School PhiladelphiaThe Nueva School Hillsborough Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Santa Monica The Athenian School Danville | |
Top 3 School Districts Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Wayne Lower Merion School District Ardmore Radnor Township School District RadnorSan Marino Unified School District San Marino Palo Alto Unified School District Palo Alto La Cañada Unified School District La Cañada Flintridge | |
When comparing educational systems between Pennsylvania and California, it's evident that both states offer exceptional opportunities, but with unique distinctions. California is renowned for its prestigious universities and innovative K-12 schools, especially in areas like Palo Alto and La Cañada Flintridge, which are known for their high academic standards and strong STEM programs. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, prides itself on historical institutions and competitive secondary education, with schools like the Julia R. Masterman Secondary School and the University of Pennsylvania standing out. The choice between Pennsylvania and California could depend on the specific academic needs and preferences of your family, whether it's a focus on tech-driven education or traditional, well-established schools.
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