California to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to DC

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risks
• Water scarcity
• Earthquake threat

ProsDC

• Lower rental costs
• Efficient public transportation
• Milder seasonal extremes
• Reliable water supply
• Stable ground

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DC

• No oceanside access
• More rainy days
• Lack of mountains
• Higher grocery costs
• Less tech industry jobs

California

• Beautiful beaches
• Sunny weather
• Diverse landscapes
• Fresh produce availability
• Vibrant tech scene

Pros of moving from California to DC

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower rental costs
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to DC with efficient public transportation
• Swap the wildfire risks of California for milder seasonal extremes in DC
• Get ready for a reliable water supply in DC

Cons of moving from California to DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in California to live with no oceanside access in DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of sunny weather and have to settle for the con of more rainy days
• Time to bid farewell to diverse landscapes and get used to the lack of mountains in DC
• Swap fresh produce availability for higher grocery costs

California vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to DC, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Steak and sumptuous Tacos, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Jumbo Slice to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Curry of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, n/naka, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rose's Luxury.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and DC

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor space and ocean views, DC real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to the metro.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than California.
• DC has more of an urban feel than California.
• DC housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in DC is 11.99% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to DC. DC gets 29% fewer sunshine days than California.
• DC 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 DC.
• The average summer high temperature in DC is 3 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 18.8 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and DC

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 10% more than in California
• The COLI in DC is 3% higher than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in DC is 10 compared to 13.3 in CA
• The affluence in DC is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in DC compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and notable in DC

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. DC

• California tends to lean majority Democratic in its political climate
• DC, on the other hand, is often described as overwhelmingly Democratic
• DC's religious environment can be described as highly diverse, but with a strong presence of non-religious individuals
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant number of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from California to DC

How Much Do California to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 2,799 miles from California to DC will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.