($1,529) Movers From California to New York City

Quick answer: The cost to move from California to New York City, NY averages from $1,974 to $9,644 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from New York City, NY to California guide.

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Moving from California to New York City, NY resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to New York City, NY.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 2,914 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to New York City, NY moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to New York City is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to New York City.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.6 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from California to New York City, NY?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to New York City for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,529 - $7,127 $1,750 - $4,029 $1,767 - $3,716
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,660 - $9,644 $2,924 - $5,996 $1,974 - $4,511
4+ bedrooms $9,491 - $15,543 $3,956 - $8,445 $2,471 - $5,116

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,914 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from California to New York City, NY will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to New York City?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to New York City will cost between $1,529 to $7,127. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to New York City will range from $4,660 to $9,644, and a large move from California to New York City will cost from $9,491 to $15,543.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to New York City?

Moving containers from California to New York City will cost you $1,750 to $4,029 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,924 to $5,996. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,956 to $8,445.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to New York City.

How much is a moving truck from California to New York City?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to New York City, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,767 to $3,716. A larger move will cost $1,974 to $4,511, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to New York City costs from $2,471 to $5,116. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.

Is moving from California to New York City, NY a good idea?

Cost of living: California vs New York City, NY

California New York City
Average rent cost $1,586 $4,000
Average home value $746,055 $729,936
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $75,624
Unemployment rate 5% 11%
State income tax 13% 11%
  • Rent is about 152% more expensive in New York City than in California.
  • Home prices are about 2% lower in New York City than in California.
  • The average income is about 18% lower in New York City than in California.
  • New York City has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 133%.
  • Income taxes are 18% lower in New York City than in California.

How is life different in New York City from California?

New York City California
Population 8,804,190 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 76-23 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 84ºF 87ºF
Winter low 26ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 47" 22"
Annual snow 25" 7"
Crime index 49.94 27.88
  • The population of New York City is approximately 77% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, New York City voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in New York City is 84ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New York City reaches the temperature of 26ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 47 inches of annual rainfall in New York City vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In New York City, it snows about 25 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • New York City has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 49.94 vs 27.88.

Considerations for moving to New York City, NY

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26°F to 87°F. Temps are rarely below 10°F or above 95°F.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to New York. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
2905 Unicorn Rd, Bakersfield, CA, 93308
(661) 335-6191
Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
110 Belvedere St., San Rafael, CA, 94901
(415) 491-4444

Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Comparing the pros of California vs. New York City, NY:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs New York City side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in New York City, NY
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Diverse cuisine
Abundant recreational options Bountiful arts and recreational activities
High quality of life Incredible landmarks
Fresh and healthy foods Abundant entertainment

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. New York City, NY:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for New York City.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in New York City, NY
High cost of living Overcrowded
Heavy tax burdens Pollution
Natural disasters Terrible traffic
Terrible traffic Crime
Strange laws High cost of living

Need a local New York City mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
White Glove Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
235 W 1st St, Bayonne, NJ, 07002
(877) 941-0568

Visit our best movers in New York City page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in New York City?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in New York City.

Museums in New York City

  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The Met Cloisters
  • New York Public Library
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
  • Ellis Island
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • Ellis Island Immigration Museum
  • The Morgan Library & Museum
  • Tenement Museum
  • New-York Historical Society Museum & Library

Parks in New York City

  • Central Park
  • The High Line
  • Bryant Park
  • Washington Square Park
  • Hudson River Park
  • Union Square
  • World Trade Center's Liberty Park
  • Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial
  • Fort Tryon Park
  • Riverside Park
  • Battery Park
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
  • The High Line Park
  • Inwood Hill Park
  • Carl Schurz Park

Sports Teams in New York City

  • Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
  • Long Island Nets (NBA G League)
  • New York City FC (MLS)
  • New York Giants (NFL)
  • New York Islanders (NHL)
  • New York Jets (NFL)
  • New York Knicks (NBA)
  • New York Liberty (WNBA)
  • New York Mets (MLB)
  • New York Rangers (NHL)
  • New York Red Bulls (MLS)
  • New York Yankees (MLB)

Universities in New York City

  • New York University
  • Nyack College
  • Pace University
  • Rockefeller University
  • Wagner College
  • Hunter College
  • Baruch College
  • Brooklyn College
  • City College of New York
  • College of Staten Island

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to New York City?

Because of the 2914-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to New York City as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to New York City, NY?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF, most people move to New York City from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to New York City during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from New York City?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in New York City.

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