California to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Montana

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Overpopulation
• Wildfires
• Pollution

ProsMontana

• Affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• Open spaces
• Fewer natural disasters
• Clean air

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Montana

• Fewer dining options
• Less cultural diversity
• Harsh winters
• No ocean coast
• Limited job market

California

• Diverse cuisine
• Vibrant culture
• Year-round warmth
• Recreational beaches
• Tech job opportunities

Pros of moving from California to Montana

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Montana with less crowded roads
• Swap the overpopulation of California for open spaces in Montana
• Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Montana

Cons of moving from California to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse cuisine in California to live with fewer dining options in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to year-round warmth and get used to harsh winters in Montana
• Swap recreational beaches for no ocean coast

California vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Montana, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious huckleberry pie of Montana. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip steak and sumptuous fish tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty bison steak and elk burgers 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 lentil stew of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Spago. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Caffe Dolce, The Emerson Grill, and Uptown Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Montana

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and solar panels, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large plots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Montana is less bike-friendly than California.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than California.
• Montana housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Montana is 48.31% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Montana. Montana gets 34% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Montana 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 snowstorms and wildfires in Montana.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 4 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 29 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 26% less than in California
• The COLI in Montana will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in MT is 6.9% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Montana

• California tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• Montana's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of various faiths

Education Guide When Moving from California to Montana

How Much Do California to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,307 miles from California to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.