Movers

California to Connecticut Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 2,996 mile interstate move from California to Connecticut? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Connecticut across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower living costs), food & health (like Avocado Toast vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Avocado Toast and Tri-tip, but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & Steamed Cheeseburger
  • Connecticut housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Connecticut is 26.85% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Connecticut will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,500
  • Our top recommended California to Connecticut movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California to Connecticut Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Connecticut

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Wildfires
  • Severe droughts
  • Heavy traffic
  • Air pollution
ProsConnecticut iconConnecticut
  • Lower living costs
  • Less natural disasters
  • Abundant water resources
  • Quieter roads
  • Cleaner air

Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • Less urban nightlife
  • Limited cultural events
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer career options
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant cities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Mild winter weather
  • Numerous job opportunities

Pros of moving from California to Connecticut

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower living costs
  • Look forward to moving away from wildfires and moving to Connecticut with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the severe droughts of California for abundant water resources in Connecticut
  • Get ready for quieter roads in Connecticut

Cons of moving from California to Connecticut

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant cities in California to live with less urban nightlife in Connecticut
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of limited cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to mild winter weather and get used to harsh winters in Connecticut
  • Swap numerous job opportunities for fewer career options

California vs. Connecticut: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaConnecticut
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastLobster Roll
Most popular meat dishTri-tipSteamed Cheeseburger
Most popular street food itemFish TacosApizza
Most popular vegan foodVegan BurritoVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Cheeseboard
  • Nopa
  • Animal
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from California to Connecticut, you will be trading the iconic Avocado Toast of California for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Connecticut. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Connecticut residents know they have tasty Steamed Cheeseburger and Apizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Burrito they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pizza of Connecticut. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheeseboard, Nopa, and Animal. After the boxes are unpacked in Connecticut, don't wait too long before making your way to Connecticut's acclaimed eateries like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Louis' Lunch, and Sally's Apizza.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Connecticut

ComparisonCaliforniaConnecticut
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor spaces, Smart Home FeaturesHistoric Details, Proximity to Nature
  • The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Connecticut.
  • Compared to California's real estate listings, which commonly reference outdoor spaces and smart home features, Connecticut real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Connecticut is less walkable than California.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Connecticut is less bike-friendly than California.
  • Connecticut has less of an urban feel than California.
  • Connecticut housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $393,802 compared to California’s $783,666.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Connecticut have increased by 55% compared to a 42% increase in California.
  • Rent in Connecticut is 26.85% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Connecticut

ComparisonCaliforniaConnecticut
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresBlizzards, Hurricanes
Air QualityVariable, often moderateGenerally good, with seasonal variations
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 55Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 45Β°F35Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0-200 (depending on region)40
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Connecticut. Connecticut gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
  • Connecticut has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and hurricanes in Connecticut.
  • The average summer high temperature in Connecticut is 3 degrees colder than in California.
  • The average winter lows are 27 degrees colder than they are in California.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Connecticut. Connecticut receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Connecticut

ComparisonCaliforniaConnecticut
Avg. Household Income$91,551$88,429
Cost of Living Index136.4122.1
State Income Tax9.3%5.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%1.97%
Avg. Sales Tax7.25%6.35%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureFinance, Insurance, Real Estate
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Connecticut tend to earn about 3% less than in California
  • The COLI in Connecticut is 10% lower than what you are used to living in California
  • The state income tax in CT is 5.5% compared to 9.3% in CA
  • The affluence in Connecticut is moderate compared to high in California
  • The poverty level is low in Connecticut compared to moderate in California
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Connecticut

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Connecticut

ComparisonCaliforniaConnecticut
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticPrimarily Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centers with conservative rural areasLiberal in cities, mixed in suburban and rural areas
ReligionPluralistic, with Christianity being major but a notable presence of other religionsPrimarily Christian, but with a diverse array of faith groups
  • California tends to lean largely Democratic in its political climate
  • Connecticut, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
  • Connecticut's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian but with a diverse array of faith groups
  • California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as pluralistic with Christianity being major but a notable presence of other religions

Education Guide When Moving from California to Connecticut

ComparisonCaliforniaConnecticut
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford
Yale University
University of Connecticut
Wesleyan University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOrion Academy (Moraga)
Mill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
International School At Dundee (Greenwich)
North Mianus School (Riverside)
Riverside School (Greenwich)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga)
Redwood Middle School (Saratoga)
Eastern Middle School (Riverside)
Middlesex Middle School (Darien)
Tomlinson Middle School (Fairfield)
Top 3 High SchoolsHenry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Troy High School (Fullerton)
Connecticut IB Academy (East Hartford)
Darien High School (Darien)
Conard High School (West Hartford)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville)
Greenwich Academy (Greenwich)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHarvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
The Brunswick School (Greenwich)
Greens Farms Academy (Westport)
The Marvelwood School (Kent)
Top 3 School DistrictsLos Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District (Los Gatos)
Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto)
San Marino Unified School District (San Marino)
Westport School District (Westport)
New Canaan School District (New Canaan)
Darien School District (Darien)

How Much Do California to Connecticut Movers Cost?

Moving 2,996 miles from California to Connecticut 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.

  • Expected Range: $4,500 - $10,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,901300 ft3$9.67
1 Bedroom$4,329450 ft3$9.62
2 Bedrooms$7,178750 ft3$9.57
3 Bedrooms$10,4721100 ft3$9.52
4 Bedrooms$15,1521600 ft3$9.47
5+ Bedrooms$16,9561800 ft3$9.42

Top California to Connecticut Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Connecticut movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Connecticut

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details

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