Best Connecticut to California Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Connecticut to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,994 mile CT to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 319 Connecticut to California 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 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Connecticut compared to California. 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 Connecticut to California Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Smooth Move & Delivery9.219.19Authorized For HHG
4Expert Movers & Storage Inc9.179.2Authorized For Property, HHG
5Expert Movers, LLC9.099.27Authorized For Property, HHG
6Adams Moving Company9.019.14Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,994 miles from Connecticut to California will cost on average $4,327 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CT to CA move is roughly $10,468. 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 Connecticut and dropoff in California 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 Connecticut to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,900300 ft³$9.67
1 Bedroom$4,327450 ft³$9.62
2 Bedrooms$7,175750 ft³$9.57
3 Bedrooms$10,4681100 ft³$9.52
4 Bedrooms$15,1461600 ft³$9.47
5+ Bedrooms$16,9491800 ft³$9.42
*Please note: These Connecticut to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Connecticut & California. 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 CT to CA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best CT to CA 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
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
2
Smooth Move & Delivery Logo

Smooth Move & Delivery

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 1,357+ data points

76 Progress Dr

Stamford, CT, 6902

About Smooth Move & Delivery

Located in Stamford, CT, Smooth Move & Delivery offers residential and commercial moving services within a 70-mile radius of Westchester County,...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2723982 / 29434

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Expert Movers & Storage Inc Logo

Expert Movers & Storage Inc

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.17/10
based on 743+ data points

60 Shelter Rock Rd Unit 15

Danbury, CT, 06810

About Expert Movers & Storage Inc

Expert Movers & Storage Inc is a family-owned and operated moving company serving Connecticut since 2000. It’s a full-service mover that...

Services

  • Residential Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 2/23/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2097824 / 731755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Expert Movers, LLC Logo

Expert Movers, LLC

Exceptional9.09/10
based on 561+ data points

100 Glen Rd

Sandy Hook, CT, 06482

About Expert Movers, LLC

Expert Movers, LLC is a family-owned moving company that has been providing exceptional moving services since 2000. Based in Danbury, CT,...

Services

  • Residential Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2097824 / 731755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Adams Moving Company Logo

Adams Moving Company

Superb9.01/10
based on 532+ data points

West Haven, CT, 06516

About Adams Moving Company

Based in Branford, Connecticut, Adams Moving Company is known for providing reliable moving services. Accumulating over 20+ years of moving experience,...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Junk removal

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3631786 / 1244398

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (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 Connecticut to California

Considering a move from Connecticut to California? Our chart offers an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, ensuring you're making a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited entertainment
  • High property tax
  • Rural areas
  • Distance to ocean
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Endless activities
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Urban living
  • Beach access
California iconCalifornia
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher cost of living
  • Earthquake risks
  • Wildfire threats
  • Smog in cities
Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • New England charm
  • Quiet suburbs
  • Small-town feel
  • Four seasons
  • Cultural history

While moving from Connecticut to California, you'll experience a marked shift in climate, trading snow-laden winters for California's year-round mild weather. This opens up a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking in Griffith Park to surfing at Santa Monica Beach. However, bear in mind places like Los Angeles come with drawbacks like intense traffic and smog. You'll find the cultural vibrancy of cities like San Francisco or San Diego to be a stark contrast to the quiet charm of Connecticut towns, but the cost of living can be significantly higher, especially in tech-rich hubs like Silicon Valley. Enjoy the diversity in cuisine ranging from the famed In-N-Out Burger to Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa Valley, with a broader array of cultural experiences at your fingertips.

Connecticut vs. California Food Guide

As food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and lifestyle, this guide aims to enlighten you on the culinary contrast before moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Connecticut & California, providing insights into each state's unique food scene and helping you acclimate to where you're heading.

Connecticut
California
Most iconic local food item
Lobster Roll
Fish Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Steamed Cheeseburger
Tri-tip Steak
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Street Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Seitan Steaks
Avocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
  • Louis' Lunch
  • The Ancient Mariner
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Connecticut to California, you'll find yourself transitioning from the classic New England flavors of lobster rolls and steamed cheeseburgers to the vibrant, multi-cultural influences of fish tacos and tri-tip steak. Connecticut's food scene boasts iconic establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Louis' Lunch, where the invention of the hamburger is claimed. Meanwhile, California offers a diverse culinary landscape, from the pioneering farm-to-table dishes of Chez Panisse in Berkeley to the legendary In-N-Out Burger, symbolizing the state's fast-food culture. The Golden State is also renowned for its health-conscious options and abundance of vegan foods, a reflection of its fitness-centric lifestyle partly emanating from places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Here, food trucks and vegan eateries blend seamlessly with the state's dynamic foodie scene, providing an endless exploration for your palate.

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Connecticut vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Among the numerous factors to consider when moving, real estate stands paramount. It's crucial to understand how Connecticut and California compare in terms of housing. This comparison explores various housing aspects including cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.

Connecticut
California
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial and Cape Cod
Spanish Revival and Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Quiet neighborhoods, spacious backyards
Proximity to tech hubs, ocean views

Moving from Connecticut to California introduces significant changes in housing dynamics. The stark contrast in median home prices reflects California's intense real estate market, largely driven by its proximity to tech hubs and desirable coastal areas. While Connecticut offers classic Colonial and Cape Cod homes, California boasts a plethora of Spanish Revival and Modern architecture, catering to a diverse range of tastes. The urban lifestyle score, higher in California, indicates a vibrant life with abundant amenities and attractions, although this comes with a higher cost of living. Understanding these differences will help you navigate the exciting yet challenging journey of finding your new home.

Connecticut vs. California Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Connecticut to California, understanding how the climate and weather patterns differ between these two locations is crucial. This comparison will highlight the key differences in weather elements between Connecticut and California , providing insight into what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and other weather-related factors after your move.

Connecticut
California
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Hurricanes
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Varies widely; some areas with poor quality
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

82°F / 62°F
85°F / 60°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

37°F / 19°F
58°F / 42°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

50"
22" (varies by region)
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

37"
0-400+" (varies by elevation)


While the average summer temperatures in Connecticut and California are somewhat similar, the winter months present a stark contrast, with California experiencing much milder temperatures. The significant difference in the number of sunny days—Connecticut’s 202 versus California's 284—highlights the overall warmer and sunnier climate you can expect after your move. Additionally, each state encounters its own set of natural disasters: Connecticut’s snowstorms and hurricanes compared to California’s earthquakes and wildfires. These aspects, alongside variances in air quality and allergens, are critical to consider when moving, as they directly affect your daily life and health.

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

Moving from one area to another can significantly impact your wallet. Understanding how the cost of living and financial landscape in Connecticut and California compare to your current situation is crucial in preparing for a successful transition.

Connecticut
California
Avg. Household Income
$88,429
$91,551
Cost of Living Index
122.1
136.4
State Income Tax
3.0 - 6.99
1 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax
2.14%
0.74%
Avg. Sales Tax
6.35%
7.25%
Top 3 Industries
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Affluence
High
Very High
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
Low
Very High

Though the average household incomes in Connecticut and California are relatively close, the cost of living in California is notably higher due to expensive housing and living expenses. California's wide income tax range reflects its progressive tax rate, which can impact high earners more significantly than in Connecticut. Meanwhile, Connecticut's property tax is among the highest in the nation, affecting homeowners substantially. The industries dominating these states vastly differ, with Connecticut focusing on finance and insurance, whereas California leads in technology and entertainment, influencing job market dynamics and economic opportunities differently for residents.

Connecticut vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

If you're considering a move from Connecticut to California, it's essential to understand not just the geographic and economic differences but also the local culture and demographics. This comparison will offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Connecticut & California, giving you a better sense of what to expect in your new home.

Connecticut
California
Political Make-up
Lean Democrat
Strongly Democrat
Local Politics
Mixed urban and suburban; moderate policies
Urban-dominated; progressive policies
Religion
Christian majority, with Catholicism being predominant
Diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents

Connecticut and California both lean towards Democratic leadership at the state level, but the intensity differs. In Connecticut, you'll find a mix of urban and suburban politics, with policies generally skewing moderate. Cities like Hartford and New Haven offer insights into local governance and community involvement. California, on the other hand, is renowned for its progressive stance on most issues, heavily influenced by major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Religion in Connecticut is predominantly Christian, with a considerable portion identifying as Catholics. Conversely, California's population is more religiously diverse, housing a significant number of residents who identify as non-religious or belong to various other faiths. This reflects not just in worship places but also in community events and the social issues prioritized by the population.

Education Guide When Moving from Connecticut to California

Moving from Connecticut to California brings new opportunities, especially in terms of education. To help you make an informed decision, it's essential to compare the differences in school options between Connecticut and California . This comparison will lay out key aspects of both states' educational landscapes, from public schools to private institutions.

ConnecticutCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Yale University
University of Connecticut
Quinnipiac University
Stanford University
University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Los Angeles

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Peck Place School
Orange; International School At Dundee
Greenwich; Riverside School
Greenwich
Millikin Basics+ Elementary School
Santa Clara; Old Orchard School
Campbell; Reed Elementary School
Tiburon

Top 3 Middle Schools

Eastern Middle School
Greenwich; Tomlinson Middle School
Fairfield; Bedford Middle School
Westport
William Hopkins Junior High School
Fremont; Miller Middle School
San Jose; Joaquin Miller Middle School
San Jose

Top 3 High Schools

Staples High School
Westport; Greenwich High School
Greenwich; Darien High School
Darien
Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto; Troy High School
Fullerton; Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto

Top 3 private high schools

Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford; The Hotchkiss School
Lakeville; The Hopkins School
New Haven
Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles; Phillips Exeter Academy
Exeter; The Thacher School
Ojai

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Kingswood-Oxford School
West Hartford; Greenwich Country Day School
Greenwich; The Brunswick School
Greenwich
The Harker School
San Jose; Marin Country Day School
Corte Madera; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica

Top 3 School Districts

Westport School District
Greenwich School District
New Canaan School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District

While connecting the dots through these comparisons, it’s interesting to note the geographical diversity and the emphasis on arts and sciences among the top-ranked schools, especially in California. Schools like Palo Alto High School and Harvard-Westlake School highlight the vibrant academic culture extending beyond traditional disciplines. In Connecticut, the focus on high-quality education manifests in schools like Greenwich Country Day School and Choate Rosemary Hall, known for their rigorous academic programs and strong community involvement. This comparison doesn't just highlight names but indicates the rich, varied landscapes of educational opportunities, shaping the decision-making process for families moving between these two states.

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