California to Missouri Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Missouri

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfires
• Drought concerns
• High taxes

ProsMissouri

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Mild weather
• Abundant water
• Lower taxes

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Missouri

• No ocean access
• Less cultural diversity
• Humid summers
• Limited tech industry
• Smaller cities

California

• Beaches and coastline
• Diverse culture
• Varied climates
• High tech jobs
• World-renowned cities

Pros of moving from California to Missouri

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Missouri with less traffic
• Swap the wildfires of California for mild weather in Missouri
• Get ready for abundant water in Missouri

Cons of moving from California to Missouri

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beaches and coastline in California to live with no ocean access in Missouri
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to varied climates and get used to humid summers in Missouri
• Swap high-tech jobs for a limited tech industry

California vs. Missouri: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Missouri, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious St. Louis Style Pizza of Missouri. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Missouri residents know they have tasty Smoked Ribs and Toasted Ravioli 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 BBQ Jackfruit of Missouri. 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 Missouri, don't wait too long before making your way to Missouri's acclaimed eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Sidney Street Cafe, and Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Missouri

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Missouri.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor space and eco-friendly features, Missouri real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Missouri is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Missouri is less bike-friendly than California.
• Missouri has less of an urban feel than California.
• Missouri housing costs are 69% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $243,216 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Missouri have increased by 49% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Missouri is 51.04% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Missouri. Missouri gets 28% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Missouri 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 tornadoes and floods in Missouri.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Missouri is 4 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows in Missouri are 20 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Missouri. Missouri receives 20 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Missouri

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Missouri tend to earn about 29% less than those in California
• The COLI in Missouri will be 33% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in MO is 5.4% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Missouri is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Missouri compared to significant in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Missouri

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Missouri

• California tends to lean Democrat-leaning in its political climate
• Missouri, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• Missouri's religious environment can be described as more homogeneous and Christian (predominantly Protestant)
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more diverse and less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from California to Missouri

How Much Do California to Missouri Movers Cost?

Moving 1,847 miles from California to Missouri will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.