Moving from California to New York (2026 Best Movers and Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from California to New York often costs between $4,164 and $7,877 if you use movers. A moving container is about $3,884 on average, and a rental truck costs close to $3,094 .
Featured Moving Companies
International Van Lines
International
Coverage
Storage
Included
Awarded
Excellence
Best Movers by Move Type
Local
Interstate
Container
Rental Truck
Mayzlin Relocation LLC
Company Based in : North Carolina
Allied Van Lines
Company Based in : Indiana
Colonial Van Lines
Company Based in : Florida
Bellhops
Company Based in : Tennessee
American Van Lines
Company Based in : Florida
United Van Lines
Company Based in : Missouri
Safeway Moving Inc
Company Based in : Florida
Allied Van Lines
Company Based in : Indiana
1-800-PACK-RAT
Company Based in : North Carolina
PODS Moving and Storage
Company Based in : Florida
Zippy Shell
Company Based in : Virginia
MovingYourself
Company Based in : Florida
U-Haul
Company Based in : Arizona
Budget Truck Rental
Company Based in : New Jersey
Penske Truck Rental
Company Based in : Pennsylvania
Home Depot
Company Based in : South Carolina
Average Moving Cost from California to New York
Studio / 1 bedroom
Moving Company: $2,650 – $6,471
Moving Container: $1,988 – $3,884
Rental Truck: $1,527 – $3,094
2 – 3 bedrooms
Moving Company: $4,164 – $7,877
Moving Container: $2,404 – $5,205
Rental Truck: $1,671 – $3,613
4+ bedrooms
Moving Company: $7,613 – $12,338
Moving Container: $3,571 – $7,111
Rental Truck: $2,268 – $4,707
Top-Rated Local Moving Companies in California
We found some top local movers in California known for good rates, reliable service, and happy customers to help you choose with ease.
- Budget Relo : 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Coast2Coast Relocation USA : 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving - Best Moving Company : 4.2 out of 5 stars
Budget Relo is a licensed moving company based in Van Nuys, California operating under DOT #1805348 and MC #656229 . The business is fully registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), giving customers added confidence in its legitimacy. The company has 97.46% positive reviews and only 2.54% negative feedback, reflecting strong overall customer satisfaction.
97.46% of reviews
are
positive
2.54% of reviews
are
negative
Founding Year :2020
Dot # :1805348
FMCSA Rating :None
Number of truck 22
MC number 656229
No deposit required
Pay by credit Card
Commercial / Office Moving
Storage Services
Packing and Unpacking Services
Residential Moving
Labor-Only Moving
We found out that United American Moving & Storage determines its prices on various parameters, including the total weight of all your items and how far you are moving. The average cost of moving with United American Moving and Storage is usually between $28 and $8590. But remember — depending on which services you choose, like your specific moving package, this number can change. They accept several forms of payment like checks, credit card/debit cards and cash.
Coast2Coast Relocation USA is a licensed moving company based in Long Beach, California operating under DOT #4285282 and MC #1666523 . The business is fully registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), giving customers added confidence in its legitimacy. The company has 97.03% positive reviews and only 2.97% negative feedback, reflecting strong overall customer satisfaction.
97.03% of reviews
are
positive
2.97% of reviews
are
negative
Founding Year :2024
Dot # :4285282
FMCSA Rating :None
Number of truck 8
MC number 1666523
No deposit required
Pay by credit Card
Commercial / Office Moving
Packing and Unpacking Services
Residential Moving
International Moving
Specialty Moving (e.g., piano, antiques, etc.)
We found out that United American Moving & Storage determines its prices on various parameters, including the total weight of all your items and how far you are moving. The average cost of moving with United American Moving and Storage is usually between $2870 and $12999. But remember — depending on which services you choose, like your specific moving package, this number can change. They accept several forms of payment like checks, credit card/debit cards and cash.
BLVD Moving - Best Moving Company is a licensed moving company based in Northridge, California operating under DOT #2892909 and MC #971895 . The business is fully registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), giving customers added confidence in its legitimacy. The company has 79.03% positive reviews and only 20.97% negative feedback, reflecting strong overall customer satisfaction.
79.03% of reviews
are
positive
20.97% of reviews
are
negative
Founding Year :2018
Dot # :2892909
FMCSA Rating :None
Number of truck 54
MC number 971895
No deposit required
Pay by credit Card
Commercial / Office Moving
Storage Services
Packing and Unpacking Services
Residential Moving
International Moving
We found out that United American Moving & Storage determines its prices on various parameters, including the total weight of all your items and how far you are moving. The average cost of moving with United American Moving and Storage is usually between $1900 and $50000. But remember — depending on which services you choose, like your specific moving package, this number can change. They accept several forms of payment like checks, credit card/debit cards and cash.
Best California to New York Moving Container Companies
Moving containers help you save money and still make moving easier. You handle the packing and unpacking, and the company does the driving. They pick up the container in California and bring it to your new home.
Here are some trusted moving container companies:
PODS Moving and Storage
Convenient container-based moving
Secure weather-resistant storage
Reliable door-to-door delivery
Zippy Shell
Century-long trusted mover
Full packing & storage
Long and international moves
Best California to New York Moving Truck Rentals
If you want to save money on your move, renting a truck can be a smart choice. You will pack, load, and drive on your own, but it lets you stay in control of your move.
Here are some trusted truck rental companies:
U-Haul
DIY moves
One-way rentals
Moving supplies
Budget Truck Rental
Wide range of truck sizes
Real-time online reservation system
Flexible one-way return options
Penske Truck Rental
Unlimited free miles on one-way rentals
24/7 roadside assistance
Over 2,500 convenient locations
How we picked the best movers for your California to New York move
We focus on finding moving companies that offer real value and reliable service for people relocating from California to New York. We look at real customer experiences and a few key factors that help separate the best movers from the rest:
Key Things to Know Before Moving from California to New York
Cost of living
Before you move, it’s good to see how living costs differ between California and New York. This comparison shows the main changes that can impact your budget and daily life.
| Metric | California | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,852 | $1,504 |
| Average home cost | $771,050 | $482,740 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,903 | $81,382 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
| Sources |
World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation |
|
Life in California vs. New York
Moving to a new state means more than just packing and going. Here’s how daily life in California and New York is different.
| Metric | California | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 87°F | 81°F |
| Winter low | 59°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 62″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 21.51 |
| Sources |
U.S. Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, Neighborhood Scout, Best Places, |
|
Pros and Cons: California vs. New York
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in New York |
|---|---|
| Beautiful weather and nature all year | Global hub for finance, media, and creative careers |
| Many job and business opportunities | World-class museums, theaters, and cultural institutions |
| Lots of fun places to visit and things to do | Wide range of international cuisines and dining options |
| Great schools and colleges | Strong networking and professional growth opportunities |
| Diverse people and cultures | Diverse neighborhoods with unique identities |
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in New York |
|---|---|
| Housing and daily costs are very high | Extremely competitive job market |
| Heavy traffic in big cities | Constant fast-paced and stressful lifestyle |
| Wildfire and drought risks in some areas | Very high rental prices in major areas |
| Taxes are among the highest in the country | Heavy daily crowds in public spaces |
| - | Long commute times for many residents |
Moving from California to New York Checklist
Moving to another state takes planning, but a simple checklist can make it smooth. Follow these steps to stay organized:
Start early:
Begin getting ready one to two months before moving. Get quotes from movers and pick your move date.
Make a budget:
Write down all costs like boxes, tape, gas, truck rental, and short stays if needed.
Sort your stuff:
Go through your things and donate or sell what you don’t need. It cuts down on space and cost.
Get packing supplies:
Buy boxes, tape, and labels. Pack by room and keep a small bag with your essentials.
Update your address:
Tell the post office, banks, insurance, and subscriptions about your new address.
Transfer utilities:
Contact your utility companies to turn off services in California and start them in New York before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost to move from California to New York is between $4,164 and $7,877 . Prices depend on your home size and the type of moving service. Renting a truck is the cheapest option, while full-service movers cost more but handle the whole process for you.
Most moves from California to New York take one to three days, depending on your starting and ending cities. If you use a moving container, delivery can take up to a week.
The cheapest way to move is to rent a truck and drive it yourself. Moving containers are another budget-friendly option since you load your items, and the company takes care of transport.
Choose movers with good reviews, clear pricing, and proper licenses for long-distance moves. Compare quotes from several companies, and make sure they offer insurance for your belongings.
Before moving, make a checklist to stay organized. Book your movers early, transfer utilities, change your address, and update your driver’s license and vehicle registration once you arrive in New York.
