Best California to Massachusetts Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from California to Massachusetts and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,099 mile CA to MA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 408 California to Massachusetts 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 Paradise Moving & Storage), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Massachusetts. 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.

Best California to Massachusetts Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best California to Massachusetts Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Paradise Moving & Storage9.719.72Authorized For Property, HHG
2OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
3Stairhopper Movers9.679.62Authorized For HHG
4Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
5Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHG
6Best California Movers9.539.73Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,099 miles from California to Massachusetts will cost on average $4,417 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to MA move is roughly $10,686. 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,959300 ft³$9.86
1 Bedroom$4,417450 ft³$9.81
2 Bedrooms$7,323750 ft³$9.76
3 Bedrooms$10,6861100 ft³$9.71
4 Bedrooms$15,4631600 ft³$9.66
5+ Bedrooms$17,3061800 ft³$9.61
*Please note: These California to Massachusetts moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Massachusetts. 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 MA mover.
California iconArrow iconMassachusetts icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Massachusetts to California guide.

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular California to Massachusetts Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from California to Massachusetts

Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.

Compare the 6 Best CA to MA Movers

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

Paradise Moving & Storage Logo

Paradise Moving & Storage

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.71/10
based on 1,055+ data points

1186 Worcester Rd

Framingham, MA, 01702

About Paradise Moving & Storage

Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, and...

Services

  • Affordable insured local and long distance movers
  • Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees
  • Furniture wrapping

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3619865 / 1236088

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved81,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
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
2
Stairhopper Movers Logo

Stairhopper Movers

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 8,823+ data points

20 Harvard St

Boston, MA, 2129

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and commercial moves....

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1696867 / 623045

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers22
Total Annual Miles Moved261,200 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
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
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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 Massachusetts

When contemplating a move from {state_fr} to {state_to} , it's crucial to have an honest evaluation of both the challenges and benefits. The following charts aim to provide a balanced view of this relocation, highlighting both the favorable and less favorable aspects that you might encounter.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High property taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Extreme weather
  • Higher cost of living
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Lower taxes
  • Better public transport
  • Milder climate
  • Affordable housing
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Lack of nightlife
  • Limited career opportunities
  • Less diversity
  • No coastline
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Strong job market
  • Cultural diversity
  • Beautiful beaches

As you make the shift from {state_fr} to {state_to}, you'll likely notice a change in both tempo and scenery. The milder climate in {state_to} can offer a refreshing break from {state_fr}'s extreme weather, making outdoor activities in areas like {popular area or park in state_to} more enjoyable year-round. On the other hand, {state_to}'s lack of vibrant nightlife could be a downside if you previously enjoyed the bustling scene at places like {popular nightlife spot in state_fr}. Yet, when it comes to affording a comfortable lifestyle, the lower cost of living and affordable housing in cities like {major city in state_to} might tip the scales in favor of your new destination. Connecting with the local culture and exploring neighborhoods like {neighborhood or cultural area in state_to} could reveal hidden gems you wouldn't want to miss.

California vs. Massachusetts Food Guide

When considering the move from California to Massachusetts, it's essential to explore how local cuisine reflects each area's culture. This comparison of the local cuisine between California & Massachusetts provides a taste of what culinary delights await, helping you feel more at home in your new surroundings.

California
Massachusetts
Most iconic local food item
Avocado Toast
Clam Chowder
Most popular meat dish
Tri-tip
Road Roast
Most popular street food item
Food Tacos
Lobster Rolls
Most popular vegan food
Quinoa Salad
Vegetable Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While California is known for its health-conscious cuisine like avocado toast and an impressive food truck scene epitomized by its taco trucks, Massachusetts prides itself on its rich history reflected in its food, notably through its clam chowder and lobster rolls. California offers a variety of vegan options with restaurants like Café Gratitude, while Massachusetts presents hearty traditional foods served at places like the historic Union Oyster House. Whether it's dining at the beachfront in California or enjoying a meal in one of Boston's historical neighborhoods, each state presents its unique flavor palate that contributes to its distinct cultural fabric.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

California vs. Massachusetts Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's crucial to weigh how real estate compares between California and Massachusetts . This comparison will guide you in understanding the nuances of housing costs, styles, and lifestyle in these two diverse states.

California
Massachusetts
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Spanish
Colonial and Cape Cod
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Pool, Garage
Energy Efficiency, Hardwood Floors

In comparing the two states, California stands out for its higher median home price and rent, as well as its penchant for modern and Spanish architecture, reflecting its coastal and sunny disposition. Massachusetts, on the other hand, offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a touch of historical charm, as seen in its preference for Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes. The state scores higher in terms of walkability and bikeability, suggesting a more compact and accessible urban layout, particularly in cities like Boston. Furthermore, Massachusetts listings often highlight energy efficiency and hardwood floors, indicating a focus on sustainability and classic aesthetics in housing.

California vs. Massachusetts Weather Considerations

Moving between states can mean adjusting to new weather patterns. To ease your transition from California to Massachusetts, it's crucial to understand the differences you might experience. This comparison will highlight how the weather varies greatly between California and Massachusetts, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your new environment.

California
Massachusetts
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Snowstorms, Hurricanes
Air Quality
Varies widely, generally moderate
Generally good, urban areas may vary
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/58
80/60
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

68/48
37/22


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22
47
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0 - Varies greatly by region
43.8


While both states enjoy relatively warm summers, the major differences lie in the winter temperatures and snowfall, with Massachusetts experiencing harsher winters and significantly more snow. Notably, Massachusetts sees fewer days of sunshine than California, which could impact your daily life and mood. Furthermore, the types of natural disasters common in each state vary, meaning you'll need to prepare for different emergency situations. Whether it's adjusting to more considerable humidity and snow in Massachusetts or navigating California's unique climate zones, understanding these differences can help ensure a smoother transition.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one location to another necessitates a thorough understanding of how the cost of living, income, and taxes in California and Massachusetts will compare. This comparison will help you align your financial expectations with reality, ensuring a smoother transition.

California
Massachusetts
Avg. Household Income
$91,551
$94,488
Cost of Living Index
136.4
121.55
State Income Tax
1 - 13.3
5
Avg. Property Tax
0.77
1.22
Avg. Sales Tax
8.56
6.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Technology, Healthcare, Education
Affluence
High
Very High
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
High
Moderate

When comparing the financial landscapes between California and Massachusetts, it's clear there are discernible differences that could impact your decision-making process. While the average household income is slightly higher in Massachusetts, enabling a possibly higher quality of life due to its lower cost of living index, the uniform state income tax rate offers simplicity versus California's progressive tax system. Massachusetts' higher property tax might influence your decision on home ownership. Furthermore, the top industries in each state hint at potential job opportunities relevant to your career. Understanding these nuances is essential for a financially sound relocation.

California vs. Massachusetts Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one state to another offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse cultural and social environment. This comparison aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between California & Massachusetts, helping you understand the landscape of your new home.

California
Massachusetts
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic-leaning
Liberal/Democratic-leaning
Local Politics
Progressive urban centers, conservative rural areas
Liberal with notable progressive enclaves around <a href="https://www.cambridgema.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cambridge</a> and Boston
Religion
Diverse religious landscape
Historically Catholic with increasing diversity

Both California and Massachusetts are known for their liberal and Democratic-leaning political makeup, offering a welcoming environment for progressive ideas and policies. However, the local politics of each state reflect their unique landscapes and histories. In California, there's a noticeable divide between the progressive urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles and its more conservative rural areas. Massachusetts, on the other hand, maintains a strong liberal streak, particularly in cities such as Boston and Cambridge, which are hubs for education and innovation. The religious landscape in both states is evolving, with Massachusetts historically rooted in Catholicism but becoming increasingly diverse, much like California's broad religious mosaic. This diversity enriches the cultural fabric of both states, making them vibrant places to live, work, and play.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Massachusetts

Moving across states can be a daunting process, particularly when it comes to ensuring a seamless transition for your child's education. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options from California to Massachusetts, from elementary through high school. Whether you're considering public, private, or specialized schools, this guide provides a snapshot to assist you in making informed decisions for your family's educational journey.

CaliforniaMassachusetts

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of California
Stanford University
California State University
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Alternative (Redwood City)
Point Vicente (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Westwood Charter (Los Angeles)
Joseph E. Fiske (Wellesley)
Edward Brooke Charter (Boston)
Bowman (Lexington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Canyon Charter (Santa Monica)
William Hopkins (Fremont)
Richard Henry Dana (Hawthorne)
William Diamond (Lexington)
Heath (Brookline)
Thomas Prince (Princeton)

Top 3 High Schools

Henry M. Gunn (Palo Alto)
Lowell (San Francisco)
Troy (Fullerton)
Boston Latin (Boston)
Lexington (Lexington)
Sturgis Charter Public (Hyannis)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)
Chadwick School (Palos Verdes Peninsula)
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
The Winsor School (Boston)

Top 3 School Districts

San Francisco Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High
Weston
Lexington
Wellesley

In both California and Massachusetts, the commitment to providing high-quality education is evident through their top-ranked institutions and school districts. For example, schools like Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto and Boston Latin School in Massachusetts are nationally acclaimed for their robust academic programs and successful college preparatory outcomes. Furthermore, both states boast impressive higher education institutions that draw students globally, including world-renowned campuses like Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The diversity in educational options—from public to private, and elementary through collegiate levels—ensures that families can find the perfect fit for their children's needs and aspirations, regardless of the coast they choose to call home.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best California to Massachusetts Movers Featured Image