Movers

California to Delaware Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 2,883 mile interstate move from California to Delaware? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Delaware across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing prices), food & health (like Sourdough Bread vs Scrapple), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sourdough Bread and Trip-tip, but get your taste buds ready for Scrapple & Chicken and Slippery Dumplings
  • Delaware housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Delaware is 32.11% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Delaware will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,000
  • Our top recommended California to Delaware movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California to Delaware Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Delaware

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Severe droughts
  • Heavy traffic
  • High taxes
  • Frequent wildfires
ProsDelaware iconDelaware
  • Lower housing prices
  • Ample rainfall
  • Lighter traffic
  • No sales tax
  • Safer environment

Delaware iconDelaware
  • Fewer tech job opportunities
  • Colder winter months
  • Less cultural diversity
  • No Pacific Ocean access
  • Fewer mountains
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant tech industry
  • Year-round good weather
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Stunning coastline
  • Varied terrain

Pros of moving from California to Delaware

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing prices
  • Look forward to moving away from severe droughts and moving to Delaware with ample rainfall
  • Swap the heavy traffic of California for lighter traffic in Delaware
  • Get ready for no sales tax in Delaware

Cons of moving from California to Delaware

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant tech industry in California to live with fewer tech job opportunities in Delaware
  • You'll lose out on the pro of year-round good weather and have to settle with the con of colder winter months
  • Time to bid farewell to the rich cultural scene and get used to less cultural diversity in Delaware
  • Swap the stunning coastline for no Pacific Ocean access

California vs. Delaware: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaDelaware
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadScrapple
Most popular meat dishTrip-tipChicken and Slippery Dumplings
Most popular street food itemTacosItalian Sub
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlSeitan BBQ Ribs
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • Zuni CafΓ©
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from California to Delaware, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Scrapple of Delaware. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip and sumptuous Tacos, Delaware residents know they have tasty Chicken, Slippery Dumplings, and Italian Sub to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan BBQ Ribs of Delaware. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Zuni CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Delaware, don't wait too long before making your way to Delaware's acclaimed eateries like The House of William and Merry, Deer Park Tavern, and Iron Hill Brewery.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Delaware

ComparisonCaliforniaDelaware
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Ranch
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 listingOcean views, SustainabilityHistoric charm, Spacious backyards
  • The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Delaware.
  • Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and sustainability, Delaware real estate listings often highlight features like historic charm and spacious backyards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Delaware is less walkable than California.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Delaware is less bike-friendly than California.
  • Delaware has less of an urban feel than California.
  • Delaware housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $385,745 compared to California’s $783,666.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Delaware have increased 42% compared to a 42% increase in California.
  • Rent in Delaware is 32.11% more affordable than in California.

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

ComparisonCaliforniaDelaware
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, WildfiresHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityVaries widelyMostly Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)68Β°F / 48Β°F45Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2245
Annual Snowfall (Inches)720
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Delaware. Delaware gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
  • Delaware 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware.
  • The average summer high temperature in Delaware is 2 degrees warmer than in California.
  • The average winter lows in Delaware are 20 degrees colder than those in California.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Delaware. Delaware receives 23 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Delaware

ComparisonCaliforniaDelaware
Avg. Household Income$91,551$82,174
Cost of Living Index136.4102.45
State Income Tax13.3%6.6%
Avg. Property Tax0.73%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax7.25%0%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Film, AgricultureFinance, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessCriticalManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Delaware tend to earn about 10% less than in California
  • The COLI in Delaware is 25% lower than what you are used to living in California
  • The state income tax in DE is 6.6% compared to 13.3% in CA
  • The affluence in Delaware is moderate compared to high in California
  • The poverty level is moderate in Delaware compared to significant in California
  • In terms of homelessness, it is critical in California and manageable in Delaware

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Delaware

ComparisonCaliforniaDelaware
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policies in urban areasModerate, with a blend of urban and rural priorities
ReligionDiverse, with no single majorityLargely Christian, but growing diversity
  • California tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
  • Delaware, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Delaware's religious environment can be described as largely Christian but with growing diversity
  • California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with no single majority

Education Guide When Moving from California to Delaware

ComparisonCaliforniaDelaware
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford
University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOrion Alternative (Redwood City)
Millikin Basics+ (Santa Clara)
Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach)
Charter School of Wilmington (Wilmington)
Newark Charter School (Newark)
Sussex Academy (Georgetown)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPreuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
Whitney High School (Cerritos)
Hawthorne Math and Science Academy (Hawthorne)
Conrad Schools of Science (Wilmington)
Newark Charter School (Newark)
Sussex Academy (Georgetown)
Top 3 High SchoolsWhitney High School (Cerritos)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Charter School of Wilmington (Wilmington)
Newark Charter School (Newark)
Cab Calloway School of the Arts (Wilmington)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake School (Studio City)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Castilleja School (Palo Alto)
Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
Saint Mark's High School (Wilmington)
Archmere Academy (Claymont)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Athenian School (Danville)
Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
Sanford School (Hockessin)
Tatnall School (Wilmington)
Top 3 School DistrictsPalo Alto Unified
San Marino Unified
La CaΓ±ada Unified
Appoquinimink School District
Brandywine School District
Red Clay Consolidated School District

How Much Do California to Delaware Movers Cost?

Moving 2,883 miles from California to Delaware 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.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $10,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,837300 ft3$9.46
1 Bedroom$4,233450 ft3$9.41
2 Bedrooms$7,017750 ft3$9.36
3 Bedrooms$10,2371100 ft3$9.31
4 Bedrooms$14,8101600 ft3$9.26
5+ Bedrooms$16,5721800 ft3$9.21

Top California to Delaware Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Delaware 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 Delaware

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

Los Angeles to Delaware

San Diego to Delaware

San Jose to Delaware

San Francisco to Delaware

Fresno to Delaware

Sacramento to Delaware

Long Beach to Delaware

Oakland to Delaware

Bakersfield to Delaware

Anaheim to Delaware

Santa Ana to Delaware

Riverside to Delaware

Stockton to Delaware

Irvine to Delaware

Chula Vista to Delaware

Fremont to Delaware

    San Bernardino to Delaware

      Modesto to Delaware

        Fontana to Delaware

          Moreno Valley to Delaware

            Santa Clarita to Delaware

              Oxnard to Delaware

                Glendale to Delaware

                  Huntington Beach to Delaware

                    Ontario to Delaware

                      Rancho Cucamonga to Delaware

                        Santa Rosa to Delaware

                          Oceanside to Delaware

                            Elk Grove to Delaware

                              Garden Grove to Delaware

                                Corona to Delaware

                                  Hayward to Delaware

                                    Lancaster to Delaware

                                      Salinas to Delaware

                                        Palmdale to Delaware

                                          Sunnyvale to Delaware

                                            Pomona to Delaware

                                              Escondido to Delaware