Moving to California

Cost ranges, transit times, and the top inbound routes for households relocating into California.

Updated April 2026 Reviewed by Sarah Chen Fact-checked7 inbound routes to California analyzed
Cost

California cost by home size

Home sizeLocal moveInterstate move
Studio$330–$875$1,925–$5,100
1 Bedroom$440–$1,050$2,625–$6,630
2 Bedroom$660–$1,575$3,500–$8,500
3 Bedroom$880–$2,100$5,075–$13,175
4+ Bedroom$1,210–$2,800$6,825–$18,275
Inbound

Top routes into California

Top picks

Top interstate movers serving California

#1
Allied Van Lines logo

Allied Van Lines

4.3/ 5

All 50 states

Allied operates one of the largest North American moving networks through agent-affiliates. The brand earns high marks for full-value protection and international relocations, less so for last-minute or budget-tier jobs.

Why we picked it: Large interstate and international moves.
USDOT 076235Founded 19282BR est. $3,200–$7,500
Long-distanceInternationalPackingStorageAuto transportCorporate
#2
Atlas Van Lines logo

Atlas Van Lines

4.2/ 5

All 50 states

Atlas runs a federated agent network with strong corporate relocation operations. Customer experience tracks closely to which local agent handles your shipment, which is worth checking before signing.

Why we picked it: Corporate and government relocations.
USDOT 125550Founded 19482BR est. $3,000–$7,200
Long-distanceInternationalPackingStorageCorporate
#3
United Van Lines logo

United Van Lines

4.3/ 5

All 50 states

United is the largest brand under UniGroup and publishes the well-known annual National Movers Study. Claims handling and tracking tools rank above the industry median based on FMCSA data.

Why we picked it: Long-distance moves with full packing.
USDOT 077949Founded 19282BR est. $3,100–$7,400
Long-distanceInternationalPackingStorageAuto transportCorporate
#4
North American Van Lines logo

North American Van Lines

4.1/ 5

All 50 states

North American (part of SIRVA) leans toward complex and high-value relocations, with strong piano and antique handling. For a basic studio across town, a local independent will almost always undercut their price.

Why we picked it: Cross-country moves with high-value items.
USDOT 070851Founded 19332BR est. $3,000–$7,200
Long-distanceInternationalPackingStorageCorporate
#5
Mayflower Transit logo

Mayflower Transit

4.2/ 5

All 50 states

Mayflower is the second large UniGroup brand alongside United, with comparable pricing and similar full-service options. The 'Snapmoves' product is worth comparing for smaller interstate jobs.

Why we picked it: Long-distance moves with predictable timelines.
USDOT 125563Founded 19272BR est. $3,100–$7,300
Long-distanceInternationalPackingStorageAuto transport

Frequently asked questions

A typical 2-bedroom interstate move into California runs $3,500–$8,500 with a full-service van line. Local moves inside California run $110–$175 per hour with two movers.
Reviewed by Marcus Reyes, AMSA Certified Moving Consultant. Last updated April 2026.