Moving from California to Washington (2026 Best Movers and Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from California to Washington often costs between $2,558 and $5,957 if you use movers. A moving container is about $2,126 on average, and a rental truck costs close to $1,123 .
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 Washington
Studio / 1 bedroom
Moving Company: $1,886 – $4,862
Moving Container: $1,096 – $2,126
Rental Truck: $601 – $1,123
2 – 3 bedrooms
Moving Company: $2,558 – $5,957
Moving Container: $1,485 – $2,959
Rental Truck: $650 – $1,464
4+ bedrooms
Moving Company: $3,995 – $8,062
Moving Container: $1,868 – $3,813
Rental Truck: $869 – $1,697
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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington move
We focus on finding moving companies that offer real value and reliable service for people relocating from California to Washington. 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 Washington
Cost of living
Before you move, it’s good to see how living costs differ between California and Washington. This comparison shows the main changes that can impact your budget and daily life.
| Metric | California | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,852 | $1,905 |
| Average home cost | $771,050 | $588,855 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,903 | $90,324 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
| Sources |
World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation |
|
Life in California vs. Washington
Moving to a new state means more than just packing and going. Here’s how daily life in California and Washington is different.
| Metric | California | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 7,812,880 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic |
| Summer high | 87°F | 79°F |
| Winter low | 59°F | 31°F |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 38″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 18″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 37.32 |
| Sources |
U.S. Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, Neighborhood Scout, Best Places, |
|
Pros and Cons: California vs. Washington
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| Beautiful weather and nature all year | Extensive ferry system connecting coastal communities |
| Many job and business opportunities | Thriving coffee and café culture recognized worldwide |
| Lots of fun places to visit and things to do | Access to fresh Pacific seafood year-round |
| Great schools and colleges | Progressive environmental protections and green initiatives |
| Diverse people and cultures | Strong biotech and life-sciences research presence |
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Washington |
|---|---|
| Housing and daily costs are very high | Frequent overcast skies and persistent drizzle |
| Heavy traffic in big cities | Expensive housing in major metro areas |
| Wildfire and drought risks in some areas | Limited sunlight hours during winter months |
| Taxes are among the highest in the country | Complex land-use and building regulations |
| - | Seasonal wildfire smoke impacting air quality |
Moving from California to Washington 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 Washington before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost to move from California to Washington is between $2,558 and $5,957 . 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 Washington 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 Washington.
