Best California to Maryland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from California to Maryland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,816 mile CA to MD move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 370 California to Maryland moving companies and more than 20,000 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 California compared to Maryland. 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 California to Maryland Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2AT Movers9.669.76Authorized For Property
3Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
4Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHG
5AJ Moving Services LLC9.589.5Authorized For HHG
6Best California Movers9.539.73Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from California to Maryland?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,816 miles from California to Maryland will cost on average $4,176 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to MD move is roughly $10,098. 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 California and dropoff in Maryland 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 California to Maryland movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,799300 ft³$9.33
1 Bedroom$4,176450 ft³$9.28
2 Bedrooms$6,922750 ft³$9.23
3 Bedrooms$10,0981100 ft³$9.18
4 Bedrooms$14,6081600 ft³$9.13
5+ Bedrooms$16,3441800 ft³$9.08
*Please note: These California to Maryland moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Maryland. 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 CA to MD mover.
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Compare the 6 Best CA to MD Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
AT Movers Logo

AT Movers

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.66/10
based on 1,133+ data points

9336 Reach Rd

Potomac, MD, 20854

About AT Movers

AT Movers is a moving company based in Potomac, with business hours from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 AM and 8:00...

Services

  • Wrapping, stocking, and relocation
  • Assembling the uplift desks
  • The protection of the valuable frames and pictures

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3455533 / 1126253

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,498+ data points

Chico, CA, 95973

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
AJ Moving Services LLC Logo

AJ Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 506+ data points

12905 Falling Water Cir Apt T3

Germantown, MD, 20874

About AJ Moving Services LLC

AJ Moving Services LLC, based in Frederick, MD, has been providing a broad range of moving solutions for both residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Move
  • Office Move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3866515 / 1414221

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved17,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 2,643+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Maryland

Relocating from California to Maryland can significantly impact your lifestyle. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of moving from California to Maryland for a balanced decision. Both states offer unique opportunities and challenges, so understanding these differences can help you transition smoothly and prepare for what's ahead.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Wildfire risk
  • Dry climate
  • Earthquakes
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Affordable housing
  • Less crowded roads
  • Lower natural disaster risk
  • Four distinct seasons
  • More stable geography
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Humid summers
  • Limited coastline
  • Fewer tech job openings
  • Fewer world-class institutions
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant culture
  • Mild weather
  • Beach access
  • Innovative tech industry
  • Renowned universities

While leaving California's mild climate might be daunting, Maryland's four distinct seasons offer a refreshing change, from the vibrant springs to the picturesque autumns. You'll also enjoy a more affordable cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. Exploring Maryland brings its own charm, from Annapolis' historic sights to Baltimore's lively Inner Harbor. Although you'll miss California's renowned tech scene and cultural vibrancy, Maryland compensates with its beautiful natural landscapes and ease of access to cities like Washington, D.C., offering a unique balance of tranquility and urban excitement.

California vs. Maryland Food Guide

When it comes to relocating, immersing yourself in the local culture is essential, and nothing spells culture like the local food scene. In this light, we have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Maryland to give you a better insight into what culinary delights await you in your new home.

California
Maryland
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough Bread
Blue Crab
Most popular meat dish
Tri-tip Steak
Crab Cakes
Most popular street food item
Fish Tacos
Steamed Crabs
Most popular vegan food
Avocado Toast
Vegetable Crab Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • Spago
  • Phillips Seafood
  • G&M Restaurant and Lounge
  • Faidley Seafood
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

California is renowned for its diverse and innovative culinary landscape. In the Golden State, you'll find iconic dishes like the sourdough bread of San Francisco and tri-tip steak, a testament to the state's rich ranching history. The street food scene is highlighted by fish tacos, reflecting the coastal influence on the cuisine. Vegan-friendly options like avocado toast are abundant, especially in health-conscious cities like Los Angeles. On the other hand, Maryland boasts its legendary blue crabs, offering an array of dishes from steamed crabs to savory crab cakes. The state's culinary scene shines with seafood, particularly in iconic Baltimore establishments such as Faidley Seafood. Whether you're dining in trendy Californian restaurants or enjoying the waterfront views at a Maryland seafood spot, each state offers a unique taste of its local culture.

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California vs. Maryland Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate market comparison between California and Maryland is crucial. This will not only influence your living expenses but also affect your lifestyle. Let’s dive into how these states compare when it comes to housing.

California
Maryland
Typical Architecture Style
Modern, Spanish
Colonial, Cape Cod
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Pool, Outdoor Kitchen
Waterfront, Historic Features

In comparing housing between California and Maryland, significant differences emerge beyond just the numbers. California’s higher median home price reflects its sought-after locations and luxury amenities, such as pools and outdoor kitchens that cater to the state's warm climate. In contrast, Maryland, with its rich history, boasts more traditional homes featuring waterfront views and historic features. This not only gives insight into the architectural styles you’re likely to encounter but also hints at the lifestyle each state offers. Moreover, while California provides an unrivaled urban lifestyle score, due in part to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Maryland counters with stronger walkability and bikeability, emphasizing its community-oriented environments and accessible city centers.

California vs. Maryland Weather Considerations

Moving between states requires adapting to new climates. It's crucial to understand how the weather in California compares to Maryland to ensure you're prepared for the change. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and plan accordingly.

California
Maryland
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Hurricanes, Floods
Air Quality
Variable, often poor in cities
Generally good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 60°F
87°F / 66°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

60°F / 45°F
42°F / 29°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22 inches
44 inches
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0 - 200+
20.5 inches


In considering your move, it's important to note the significant difference in weather patterns between California and Maryland. Maryland experiences more humidity and a higher average number of rainy days, which can contribute to more pronounced seasonal allergies due to higher pollen and mold counts. The winter season showcases a stark contrast, with Maryland having colder temperatures and more snowfall, demanding a different approach to wardrobe and home heating solutions. Furthermore, each state has its own set of natural disasters to prepare for, with California facing risks from earthquakes and wildfires, while Maryland's concerns include hurricanes and floods. These considerations play a crucial role in preparing for life in a new state.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Maryland

When you're planning a move, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the differences between living in California and Maryland, focusing on essential economic factors, so you can anticipate changes in your cost of living and adapt accordingly.

California
Maryland
Avg. Household Income
$91,551
$94,991
Cost of Living Index
136.4
124.95
State Income Tax
1 - 13.3
2 - 5.75
Avg. Property Tax
0.73
1.09
Avg. Sales Tax
8.56
6.00
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment
BioHealth and Life Sciences, Military and Defense, Maritime
Affluence
Highly affluent
Very affluent
Poverty
More pronounced
Less pronounced
Homelessness
Significantly high
Lower

In comparing California and Maryland, it's clear that while both states boast high levels of affluence, Maryland offers a more affordable cost of living, evidenced by its lower cost of living index and sales tax rates. Likewise, Maryland's average household income is higher, which when paired with its favorable tax structure, from income tax to property tax, presents a potentially more economically comfortable environment for new residents. The differences in the leading industries suggest diverse job market opportunities tailored to different professional backgrounds. Moreover, the comparative analysis of poverty and homelessness rates highlights Maryland as having a less pronounced social disparity, adding another layer of consideration for those moving from California.

California vs. Maryland Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from California to Maryland offers a distinct change in lifestyle, particularly when it comes to the comparison of the politics between California & Maryland and their religious landscapes. This quick snapshot is designed to offer an at-a-glance understanding of the political orientation and religious makeup of residents in both states.

California
Maryland
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Moderate to Liberal/Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive urban centers with conservative rural areas
Liberal urban centers, mixed suburban, and conservative rural areas
Religion
Diverse; Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam
Diverse, predominantly Christian

In your transition from California to Maryland, you'll find that both states share a Democratic lean, with Maryland often characterized by a somewhat more moderate stance, particularly in its suburban and rural regions. Local politics vary considerably between the two, reflecting their unique cultural and social landscapes. California's urban centers, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, are known for their progressive values, while Maryland's mix of liberal urban centers like Baltimore, alongside its more conservative rural areas, offers a varied political climate. Religion across both states showcases diversity, with California representing an extensive mix of faiths due to its large immigrant population. Maryland, while also diverse, maintains a stronger Christian majority across its populace.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Maryland

Moving from one state to another can bring significant changes, especially when it comes to education. To help you navigate these changes, we'll compare the educational landscapes of California and Maryland to better understand what the comparisons are between school options. This guide aims to make your transition as smooth as possible, providing you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision about your or your children's education.

CaliforniaMaryland

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
USC
University of Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Towson University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Lincoln Elementary (Corona del Mar)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Folger McKinsey Elementary (Severna Park)
Stone Mill Elementary (North Potomac)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga)
Lakeside Middle School (Irvine)
Eastern Middle School (Silver Spring)
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda)
Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac)

Top 3 High School Schools

Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda)
Winston Churchill High School (Potomac)
Poolesville High School (Poolesville)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Polytechnic School (Pasadena)
Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
McDonogh School (Owings Mills)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)
Chadwick School (Palos Verdes Peninsula)
Landon School (Bethesda)
Friends School of Baltimore (Baltimore)
Severn School (Severna Park)

Top 3 School Districts

San Marino Unified School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District
Howard County Public Schools
Montgomery County Public Schools
Frederick County Public Schools

In exploring schools from California to Maryland, it's evident that both states offer exceptional educational opportunities across various levels, from elementary to high school. California is known for its prestigious universities and highly rated public school districts, such as the Palo Alto Unified School District. Maryland, with institutions like the Johns Hopkins University and highly regarded public schools like Walt Whitman High School, underscores the importance it places on quality education. Private education also reflects a high standard in both states, with options like the Harvard-Westlake School in California and the Gilman School in Maryland, providing rich academic and extracurricular programs to foster holistic student development. This comparison underscores the robust educational landscapes present in both states, ensuring that regardless of your choice, quality education awaits.

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