Best Seattle to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Seattle to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 894 mile move from Washington to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Seattle to Salinas 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 Seattle Moves & More), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Seattle 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 Seattle to Salinas Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Seattle Moves & More9.549.39Authorized For HHGContact
2John Volken Academy Movers9.339.65Authorized For HHGContact
3People Movers9.169.54Authorized For PropertyContact
4Mod Movers8.808.1Authorized For HHGContact
5Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Seattle to Salinas

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 894 miles from Seattle, WA to Salinas, CA will cost on average $2,541 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Seattle to Salinas move is roughly $6,102. 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$1,709300 ft³5.70
1 Bedroom$2,541450 ft³5.65
2 Bedrooms$4,198750 ft³5.60
3 Bedrooms$6,1021100 ft³5.55
4 Bedrooms$8,7961600 ft³5.50
5+ Bedrooms$9,8061800 ft³5.45
*Please note: These Washington to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Washington & 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 WA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Seattle guide.

Compare the 5 Best Seattle to Salinas Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

S

Seattle Moves & More

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

4601 Shilshole Ave NW

Seattle, WA, 98107

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its...

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
John Volken Academy Movers Logo

John Volken Academy Movers

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

921 Central Ave N

Kent, WA, 98032

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
2
People Movers Logo

People Movers

Exceptional9.16/10
based on 3,624+ data points

11808 NE 160th St

Bothell, WA, 98011

About People Movers

People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2895681 / 1597195

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.80/10
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.

Seattle vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be an adventure, especially when you're not sure where to start looking for your new home. To ease this transition, we've put together a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Seattle, WA & Salinas, CA . This guide will help you find a neighborhood in Salinas that feels just like home, using familiar Seattle areas as a baseline.

SeattleSalinasHow They're Similar
BallardSouth SalinasVibrant community life
Capitol HillOldtown SalinasDiverse cultural scene
Queen AnneMaple ParkHistoric homes and quiet streets
FremontCreekbridgeArtistic vibe and green spaces
Green LakeUniversity ParkFamily-friendly and recreational activities
West SeattleLaurelwoodClose-knit community feel
Beacon HillNorth SalinasDiverse population and access to amenities
Pioneer SquareOldtown SalinasRich history and vibrant nightlife
WallingfordHardingLaid-back atmosphere with shops and cafes
Madison ParkToro ParkUpscale, serene environment

If you're fond of the eclectic shops, cafes, and the indie cinema in Seattle's Fremont, you'll enjoy the artistic vibe and community parks in Creekbridge. For those who appreciate the rich historical character and lively atmosphere of Pioneer Square, Oldtown Salinas offers an intriguing mix of history, culture, and nightlife. Capitol Hill’s diversity and vibrant cultural scene find a parallel in Oldtown Salinas, making it a great spot for those craving a similar eclectic lifestyle. On the other hand, if the family-oriented and green spaces around Green Lake have been your go-to, University Park in Salinas, with its various parks such as Natividad Creek Park and plentiful recreational activities, will feel like home. Each of these neighborhoods provides unique opportunities to explore local establishments, enjoy community events, and immerse yourself in the local culture, from Natividad Creek Park in University Park to the historic Oldtown Salinas with its vibrant nightlife and cultural events.

Things To Do background image

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 Seattle to Salinas

Moving from one city to another always comes with its share of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection on the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from Seattle, WA to Salinas, CA, helping you weigh your options carefully. We'll explore the lifestyle changes, climate differences, and cultural shifts you might experience through concise, comparative charts, followed by a detailed analysis.

CONs
PROs
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • High cost of living
  • Frequent rain
  • Heavy traffic
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • More affordable
  • Sunnier days
  • Less congestion
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Smaller job market
  • Less verdant landscapes
  • Smaller cultural scene
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Lush greenery
  • Cultural diversity

Moving from Seattle to Salinas introduces a significant shift in daily living experiences. Salinas, known for its agricultural roots and sunny weather, offers a stark contrast to Seattle's tech-driven and rain-soaked environment. Residents can enjoy more outdoor activities, thanks to the milder climate of Salinas. You'll find an array of local parks such as Natividad Creek Park that provide ample space for leisure and recreation. Furthermore, Salinas's downtown area, with establishments like First Awakenings for breakfast enthusiasts, offers a burgeoning food scene without Seattle's hustle. For those fascinated by literature or history, Salinas proudly houses the National Steinbeck Center, a tribute to its most famous son, John Steinbeck. The transition might come with its challenges, notably in terms of job opportunities and cultural offerings, yet Salinas offers a welcoming community with a slower pace of life that many find appealing.

Seattle vs. Salinas Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Seattle, WA & Salinas, CA. Moving to a new city entails embracing new culinary delights. Understanding the food scene is crucial since food is an integral part of local culture and living experience. This comparison aims to prepare you better for the gastronomic adventure that awaits in your new home.

SeattleSalinas
Most iconic local food itemSalmonArtichokes
Most popular meat dishTeriyakiTri-tip
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleVegetable Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Canlis
  • Rover's (Closed)
  • Pike Place Chowder
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Seattle and Salinas offer vastly different culinary landscapes reflecting their unique local cultures and produce. Seattle's culinary scene is known for its rich salmon dishes, a wide variety of street foods including renowned hot dog stands, and a strong health and vegan consciousness reflected in restaurants across the city. Popular neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard are bustling with food trucks and vegan eateries, emphasizing the city's foodie scene. In contrast, Salinas, nestled in an agricultural hub, celebrates its produce through dishes like artichokes and tri-tip, a testament to the area's strong farming roots. The city is gaining recognition for its local eateries like The Giant Artichoke Restaurant, which embodies the essence of Salinas' farm-to-table ethos. Despite having a smaller food truck scene than Seattle, Salinas’ culinary experiences are deeply rooted in the community’s agricultural heritage, offering a distinct taste of local flavors and traditions.

Seattle vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

When moving from Seattle, WA to Salinas, CA, finding new favorite dining spots can greatly help in feeling at home. This restaurant comparison between Seattle and Salinas aims to match your culinary favorites, making the transition smoother and tastier. Let this guide lead you to your next great meal.

SeattleSalinasWhat You'll Love
Canlis201 MainElegant dining and inventive dishes
Pike Place ChowderFish House Bar & GrillFresh, locally-sourced seafood
The Pink DoorGino's Fine Italian FoodCozy atmosphere with authentic Italian dishes
Serious PieGiorgio's at 201 MainArtisanal pizzas with a distinct flair
Dahlia LoungePatriaEclectic menu with a homey vibe
Matt's in the MarketFirst AwakeningsCasual dining with fresh, local ingredients
MamnoonEagle RestaurantAuthentic Middle Eastern flavors
AlturaSalinas City BBQHigh-quality meats with a unique touch
RevelEllie's Great American RestaurantComfort food with a creative twist
Skillet DinerThe Breakfast ClubFamed for hearty breakfasts and lunches

Transitioning from Seattle's cosmopolitan culinary scene to Salinas's vibrant dining landscape means discovering new favorites that remind you of home while embracing local flavors. For example, Canlis lovers will find 201 Main's elegant atmosphere and inventive dishes a comforting echo. Similarly, Pike Place Chowder enthusiasts can dive into the Fish House Bar & Grill's fresh, locally-sourced seafood. For those who cherish the authentic Italian ambiance at The Pink Door, Gino's Fine Italian Food in Salinas promises a cozy experience with carefully curated Italian staples. And for the pizza aficionados missing Serious Pie, Giorgio's at 201 Main offers a slice of heaven with its artisanal approach and distinct flavors. This comparison not only spotlights the culinary diversity and richness Salinas has to offer but also ensures you're never too far from a taste of Seattle.

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Ready to start your move?

Seattle vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect when considering a move. It’s crucial to understand how Seattle, WA, and Salinas, CA, compare in terms of housing. This comparison will illuminate different facets such as cost, architecture, and the lifestyle you can expect in each city.

ComparisonSeattleSalinas
Typical Architecture StyleContemporary, CraftsmanRanch, Mediterranean
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Green SpacesAgricultural Land, Family-Friendly

Seattle and Salinas offer distinct living experiences reflected in their housing markets. Seattle, with its higher median home prices and rent, caters to those seeking an urban lifestyle with an appreciation for contemporary and craftsman architecture. The city's high walkability and bikeability scores correlate with its vibrant, green urban spaces. In contrast, Salinas, with its more affordable housing, appeals to those looking for a family-friendly environment. The prevalent ranch and Mediterranean-style homes sit in a less walkable and bikeable setting, highlighting the city's agricultural roots and slower pace of life. These differences illustrate the diverse options available depending on your preferences for urbanity, architecture, and lifestyle.

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.

Seattle vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another involves adjusting to many changes, with climate being one of the most impactful. Comparing the weather characteristics between Seattle, WA and Salinas, CA helps you understand how your lifestyle might shift to accommodate new seasonal patterns, humidity levels, and air quality concerns.

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Seattle, WA

70°F / 52°F

Salinas, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

62°F / 42°F

Salinas, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
38

Seattle, WA

14

Salinas, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Seattle, WA

0

Salinas, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSeattleSalinas
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, Volcanic EruptionsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Seattle and Salinas share the Pacific Coast's mild weather, moving to Salinas means you'll enjoy significantly more sunny days and less precipitation. Salinas's winter temperatures are noticeably milder than Seattle’s, which might adjust your wardrobe and outdoor activities during colder months. The jump in sunny days from 152 in Seattle to 262 in Salinas presents a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. However, be mindful of Salinas's higher average UV index and more moderate air quality, which may influence your daily skin protection routines and outdoor exercise habits.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a relocation, understanding the financial implications of your move is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in money and finance between Seattle, WA, and Salinas, CA, helping you make an informed decision.

ComparisonSeattleSalinas
Avg. Household Income$110,781$80,154
Cost of Living Index121.4136.4
State Income Tax00
Avg. Property Tax0.990.79
Avg. Sales Tax10.19.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, RetailAgriculture, Manufacturing, Construction
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from Seattle to Salinas, you'll find differences in economic factors that could influence your living experience. The average household income in Seattle is significantly higher than in Salinas, reflecting the city's thriving technology, aerospace, and retail industries. However, it's paired with a higher cost of living index and sales tax. Meanwhile, Salinas presents a more affordable living scenario, underscored by its vital agriculture, manufacturing, and construction sectors. It's crucial to weigh these factors alongside the cities' respective tax rates, property taxes, and social issues like poverty and homelessness, to fully grasp the financial landscape you're moving into.

Seattle vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in two distinct cities, providing insight into what you might expect when moving. This comparison focuses on the politics between Seattle & Salinas alongside a brief look into religious tendencies, helping you understand the community you're moving into.

SeattleSalinas
Political Make-upProgressive/LiberalMore conservative than Seattle but still leans Democratic
Local PoliticsHigh engagement in local and environmental issuesStrong community involvement in agricultural and educational matters
ReligionMore secular with a diverse range of religionsHigher Catholic population, influence of Hispanic culture

When moving from Seattle to Salinas, you'll notice differences not just in scenery but in the sociopolitical climate. Seattle’s progressiveness is reflected in its political advocacy for environmental issues and social justice. In contrast, Salinas, while still supportive of Democratic candidates, shows a more conservative tilt, with a significant portion of its politics revolving around agricultural and educational priorities, crucial for the region's economic health. The religious landscape shifts as well, from Seattle's broad spectrum of beliefs to Salinas’s strong Catholic community, significantly shaped by its Hispanic heritage. This change can offer a refreshing perspective on community and spirituality.

Seattle vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

As you consider moving from Seattle, WA to Salinas, CA, getting to grips with the differences in daily commute and traffic is essential. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Seattle & Salinas is designed to help you better understand what your daily journey might look like.

ComparisonSeattleSalinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2823
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

In Seattle, you might find the average commute time slightly longer due to a higher level of traffic congestion, rated at 7 out of 10, versus Salinas's more manageable 4 out of 10. While Seattle does offer better options for public transit, making it possible, though challenging, to get by without a car, Salinas's lower public transit availability rating means that living there without a vehicle would be quite difficult. This aspect is crucial to consider, especially if you rely on public transportation for your daily commute or errands.

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