California to New York Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to New York

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Wildfires
• Traffic congestion
• Earthquakes
• Water scarcity

ProsNew York

• Diverse job market
• Four seasons
• Efficient public transportation
• Rich cultural history
• Abundant water resources

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New York

• Harsh winters
• High living costs
• Smaller living spaces
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Competitive job market

California

• Sunny weather
• Beautiful coastlines
• Entertainment industry
• Flexible lifestyle
• Innovative tech scene

Pros of moving from California to New York

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to a diverse job market
• Look forward to moving away from wildfires and moving to New York with four seasons
• Swap the traffic congestion of California for efficient public transportation in New York
• Get ready for a rich cultural history in New York

Cons of moving from California to New York

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny weather in California to live with harsh winters in New York
• You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful coastlines and have to settle for the con of high living costs
• Time to bid farewell to the entertainment industry and get used to smaller living spaces in New York
• Swap a flexible lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

California vs. New York: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to New York, you will be trading the iconic Avocado Toast of California for the equally delicious Bagel with Lox of New York. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Tacos, New York residents know they have tasty Buffalo Wings and Pizza Slices to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Smoothie Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Bagels of New York. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, n/naka, and Chez Panisse. After the boxes are unpacked in New York, don't wait too long before making your way to New York's acclaimed eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Peter Luger Steak House, and Dominique Ansel Bakery.

When comparing lifestyles, New York shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in New York, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in New York.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and New York

• The Spanish Revival and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Modern architecture typical of New York.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and outdoor space, New York real estate listings often highlight features like being close to public transit and historic details.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New York is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New York is more bike-friendly than California.
• New York has more of an urban feel than California.
• New York housing costs are 41% less expensive than they are in California with a median home price of $460,812 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New York have increased 36% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in New York is 8.35% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and New York

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to New York. New York gets 21% fewer sunshine days than California.
• New York has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and earthquakes in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in New York.
• The average summer high temperature in New York is the same as California.
• The average winter lows are 22 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in New York. New York receives 20 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and New York

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New York tend to earn about 13% less than in California
• The COLI in New York will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in NY is 8.82% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in New York is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is pronounced in New York compared to notable in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is widespread in California and significant in New York

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. New York

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic majority in its political climate
• New York, on the other hand, is often described as a Liberal/Democratic majority with notable conservative regions
• New York's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian but highly diverse in urban areas with many other faiths present
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with significant numbers of Christians, non-religious individuals, and other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from California to New York

How Much Do California to New York Movers Cost?

Moving 2,936 miles from California to New York will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.