Best Missouri to California Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Missouri to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,846 mile MO to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 340 Missouri 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 $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Missouri 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.

Best Missouri to California Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Missouri to California Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC9.639.67AUTHORIZED FOR HHG
4Tiger Moving LLC9.359.61Authorized For HHG
5Action Moving9.339.18Authorized For HHG
6God's Movers, LLC9.079.29Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,846 miles from Missouri to California will cost on average $3,351 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MO to CA move is roughly $8,081. 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 Missouri 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 Missouri to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,249300 ft³$7.50
1 Bedroom$3,351450 ft³$7.45
2 Bedrooms$5,548750 ft³$7.40
3 Bedrooms$8,0811100 ft³$7.35
4 Bedrooms$11,6751600 ft³$7.30
5+ Bedrooms$13,0441800 ft³$7.25
*Please note: These Missouri to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Missouri & 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 MO to CA mover.
Missouri iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

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

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular Missouri to California Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from Missouri to California

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

Compare the 6 Best MO 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
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC Logo

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.63/10
based on 1,479+ data points

901 1st Capitol Dr

St Charles, MO, 63301

About Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC is a full-time moving company servicing the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area and surrounding communities. This...

Services

  • Full Moving Service
  • Commercial Moving Service
  • Long Distance Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 3/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4004648 / 1506082

AUTHORIZED FOR HHG

CARRIER

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers-
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Tiger Moving LLC Logo

Tiger Moving LLC

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,303+ data points

Liberty, MO, 64068

About Tiger Moving LLC

Tiger Moving LLC is the leading service in Columbia for all your home and office moving needs. It has been recognized...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Moving Labor

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3424063 / 1546145

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Action Moving Logo

Action Moving

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 468+ data points

8443 E 7th St

Joplin, MO, 64801

About Action Moving

Action Moving is a full-service packing and moving company with over 75 years of experience. It is located in Joplin, MO,...

Services

  • Full Service Moving
  • Professional Packing Service
  • Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

934584 / 402403

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved34,950 (2019)
View Full Review
5
God's Movers, LLC Logo

God's Movers, LLC

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 484+ data points

11815 E 60 St

Kansas City, MO, 64133

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years....

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2417601 / 946280

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (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 Missouri to California

Relocating from one state to another is a significant decision, especially when moving from Missouri to California . To provide an honest reflection of the transition, this comparison highlights the key attributes that make such a move both appealing and challenging, encouraging you to weigh the Missouri cons against the California pros and vice versa.

CONs
PROs
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Severe winter weather
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Limited cultural events
  • Predominantly flat terrain
  • Less diverse population
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild year-round climate
  • Vast tech industry
  • Dynamic cultural life
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Culturally diverse state
California iconCalifornia
  • High living expenses
  • Heavy traffic issues
  • High population density
  • Noisy urban centers
  • More transient residents
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Friendly people
  • Quiet suburban areas
  • Strong community ties

As you contemplate your move, consider the allure of California's mild year-round climate, which stands in stark contrast to Missouri's severe winters. You’ll find dynamic cultural life and diverse landscapes as a resident of California. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Santa Monica Pier, and indulge in cultural activities available in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, be prepared for a rise in living costs and busier traffic. Neighborhoods like Beverly Hills may offer luxurious living but can come with high expenses. The vibrant atmosphere, bustling with opportunities and diversity, often attracts transient residents, making it different from the strong community ties in Missouri towns such as Columbia and Springfield.

Missouri vs. California Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is a crucial aspect of getting acquainted with a new area's culture, as food plays a significant role in daily life and community. Here, we’ll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Missouri & California, giving you a taste of the gastronomic scene awaiting you in your new home.

Missouri
California
Most iconic local food item
St. Louis BBQ
Fish Tacos
Most popular meat dish
Smoked Brisket
Tri-tip Steak
Most popular street food item
Toasted Ravioli
Street Tacos
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Jackfruit
Avocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The French Laundry
  • Zuni Café
  • The Cheeseboard
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Missouri, the BBQ scene dominates with venues like Pappy's Smokehouse in St. Louis being a must-visit for meat lovers. The city is also known for its unique take on Italian American cuisine, with toasted ravioli being a beloved street food item. On the other hand, California offers a diverse culinary landscape, reflected in its popularity of Mexican-inspired dishes like fish tacos and an overarching theme of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients manifesting in dishes like avocado toast. Vegan and health-conscious options are more prevalent here, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where plant-based diets are catered to enthusiastically. The high rating for California's foodie scene indicates a vibrant, innovative, and diverse culinary culture, attracting food lovers from all over the world.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Missouri vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future homes is crucial. This guide aims to illuminate the differences and similarities between Missouri and California's housing to arm you with knowledge for a smooth transition. The comparison covers various aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision about your new home.

Missouri
California
Typical Architecture Style
Traditional, Craftsman
Modern, Spanish
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listings
Spacious backyards, Garage storage
Ocean views, Eco-friendly features

When analyzing the housing data between Missouri and California, several fascinating trends emerge. Missouri presents a more affordable housing market, with median home prices significantly lower than California's, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life. The architecture in Missouri tends towards traditional and Craftsman styles, reflecting its historical roots, whereas California offers a blend of modern and Spanish influences, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences. The lifestyle in California rates higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban living experience, owing partly to its dense, activity-rich cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. This is complemented by California's real estate listings that frequently boast ocean views and eco-friendly features, highlighting the state's natural beauty and environmental consciousness. Whether it's Missouri's spacious and homely charm or California's dynamic and scenic allure, each state offers a distinct living experience tailored to different preferences and priorities.

Missouri vs. California Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another brings about a change in many aspects of life, including the weather. Understanding how the weather in Missouri compares to California is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you prepare for the differences in climate and seasonal changes you'll experience.

Missouri
California
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Hailstorms
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Moderate
Varies Significantly
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89°F/67°F
85°F/60°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

40°F/20°F
67°F/47°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

42
22 (Varies by region)
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

18
Varies significantly by region


While Missouri experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, California’s climate varies from Mediterranean to alpine, depending on the region. This leads to a wide variation in weather patterns, particularly in temperature and precipitation. California enjoys more days of sunshine and a higher average UV index, which is great for outdoor activities but also calls for more rigorous sun protection. The threat of natural disasters differs greatly between the two, with Missouri being prone to tornadoes and hailstorms, while California faces earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these differences can aid in better preparing you for seasonal activities, health precautions, and disaster preparedness in your new home.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from Missouri to California, it's crucial to understand how aspects related to money and finance will differ. This comparison aims to highlight the cost variations you'll encounter, ensuring you're well-prepared for this significant change.

Missouri
California
Avg. Household Income
$64,811
$91,551
Cost of Living Index
91.8
136.4
State Income Tax
0-5.4%
1-13.3%
Avg. Property Tax
0.93%
0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.25%
8.66%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services
Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Higher
Lower
Homelessness
Lower
Higher

While the average household income in California is significantly higher than in Missouri, the cost of living index is also considerably more. This means your income might stretch further in Missouri for everyday expenses. Taxes in California can be higher, especially when looking at income tax, which can reach up to 13.3% for higher income brackets. The technology, agriculture, and entertainment industries dominate the California economy, offering different career opportunities than Missouri's agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. These financial and economic differences are essential to consider for anyone planning to make the move from Missouri to California.

Missouri vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Missouri to California, it's beneficial to understand the composition of the populations you'll encounter. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Missouri & California, helping you gauge how your beliefs and values might align with those of your new neighbors.

Missouri
California
Political Make-up
Lean Conservative
Lean Liberal
Local Politics
Divided between urban (liberal) and rural (conservative) areas
Dominantly liberal, especially in coastal and urban areas
Religion
Christianity predominant, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communities
Diverse religious landscape with Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jewish communities

In Missouri, you'll find a state where politics can vary significantly depending on whether you're in an urban or rural area, with cities like St. Louis and Kansas City harboring more liberal views compared to the conservative-leaning countryside. The religious makeup is predominantly Christian, reflecting a mix of Protestant and Catholic beliefs. In contrast, California presents a much more liberal stance in both politics and social attitudes, especially in coastal and urban regions like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Golden State boasts a rich tapestry of faiths beyond Christianity, highlighting its extensive cultural diversity. This contrast not only marks a shift in political and religious landscapes but also reflects the broader diversity that California offers. Understanding these differences will be key as you transition to your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to California

Moving between states can be a daunting task, especially when considering the best educational environment for your family. This comparison is designed to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Missouri and California , highlighting key differences in educational standings and top-ranked institutions at various levels.

MissouriCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of California (Berkeley)
Stanford University
University of California (Los Angeles)

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Conway Elementary (Ladue)
Lincoln Elementary (Clayton)
Wilson School (Clayton)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Westlake Elementary School (Santa Cruz)
Old Adobe Elementary Charter School (Petaluma)

Top 3 Middle Schools

John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
Ladue Middle School (Ladue)
Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Miller Middle School (San Jose)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)

Top 3 High Schools

Clayton High School (Clayton)
Metro Academic and Classical High School (St. Louis)
Ladue Horton Watkins High (Ladue)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Palo Alto High School (Palo Alto)

Top 3 private high schools

The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (St. Louis)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Thomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
The Barstow School (Kansas City)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)

Top 3 School Districts

Clayton School District
Kirkwood R-VII School District
Ladue School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
San Mateo Union High School District

While both Missouri and California offer excellent educational opportunities, the focus and strengths of their institutions can differ significantly. For example, California is renowned for its robust public university system, with top-tier institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University drawing students from around the globe. On the contrary, Missouri prides itself on its mix of high-quality public and private education, from its top-ranked universities like Washington University in St. Louis to leading preparatory schools like The Pembroke Hill School and John Burroughs School. Whether you're moving for elementary, middle, or high school education, both states offer diverse and rich educational landscapes tailored to various interests and academic needs.

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