California to Nebraska Moving Guide
Updated June 5, 2025

Planning a 1,463 mile interstate move from California to Nebraska? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Nebraska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Sourdough Bread vs Runza), real estate & housing (modern, craftsman vs ranch, victorian), 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 BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Runza & Beef Steak
- Nebraska housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in California
- Rent in Nebraska is 53.17% more affordable than in California
- Moving from California to Nebraska will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended California to Nebraska movers is OCD Moving Services LLC
California to Nebraska Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Nebraska
- High cost of living
- Seasonal wildfires
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Earthquake risks
- High taxes
- Affordable housing
- Safer from wildfires
- Less traffic
- Fewer natural disasters
- Lower taxes
- Limited cultural attractions
- Fewer high-tech jobs
- Harsh winter conditions
- Fewer restaurant choices
- Landlocked
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Great job opportunities
- Mild winter climates
- Diverse dining options
- Beach access
Pros of moving from California to Nebraska
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from seasonal wildfires and moving to Nebraska with safety from wildfires
- Swap the heavy traffic congestion of California for less traffic in Nebraska
- Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Nebraska
Cons of moving from California to Nebraska
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant cultural scene in California to live with limited cultural attractions in Nebraska
- You'll lose out on the pro of great job opportunities and have to settle for the con of fewer high-tech jobs
- Time to bid farewell to mild winter climates and get used to harsh winter conditions in Nebraska
- Swap diverse dining options for fewer restaurant choices
California vs. Nebraska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | California | Nebraska |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Runza |
Most popular meat dish | Trip-tip BBQ | Beef Steak |
Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Corn Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Seitan Steak |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from California to Nebraska, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Runza of Nebraska. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Nebraska residents know they have tasty Beef Steak and Corn Dogs 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 Seitan Steak of Nebraska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheeseboard Collective, The French Laundry, and Gjelina. After the boxes are unpacked in Nebraska, don't wait too long before making your way to Nebraska's acclaimed eateries like The Omaha Bakery, Misty's Steakhouse and Brewery, and Le Bouillon.
When comparing lifestyles, Nebraska shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Nebraska compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Nebraska.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Nebraska
Comparison | California | Nebraska |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Craftsman | Ranch, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean views, Solar panels | Large yards, Spacious garages |
- The Modern and Craftsman architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Victorian architecture typical of Nebraska.
- Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and solar panels, Nebraska real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and spacious garages.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Nebraska is less walkable than California.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Nebraska is less bike-friendly than California.
- Nebraska has less of an urban feel than California.
- Nebraska housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $257,167 compared to Californiaβs $783,666.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Nebraska have increased by 47% compared to a 42% increase in California.
- Rent in Nebraska is 53.17% more affordable than in California.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Nebraska
Comparison | California | Nebraska |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Hailstorms |
Air Quality | Variable, often poor in cities | Generally good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 60Β°F | 87Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 60Β°F / 45Β°F | 33Β°F / 13Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 22 | 30 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0 (Lowlands) - 400+ (Sierra Nevada) | 28 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Nebraska. Nebraska gets 22% fewer sunshine days than California.
- Nebraska 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 hailstorms in Nebraska.
- The average summer high temperature in Nebraska is 2 degrees warmer than in California.
- The average winter lows in Nebraska are 32 degrees colder than they are in California.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Nebraska. Nebraska receives 8 more inches of rain compared to California.
Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Nebraska
Comparison | California | Nebraska |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $69,597 |
Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 90.85 |
State Income Tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.84% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.73% | 1.61% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25% | 5.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture | Agriculture, Insurance, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | High | Moderate |
Homelessness | Severe | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Nebraska tend to earn about 24% less than those in California
- The COLI in Nebraska is 33% lower than what you are used to living in California
- The state income tax in NE is up to 6.84% compared to up to 13.3% in CA
- The affluence in Nebraska is moderate compared to high in California
- The poverty level is moderate in Nebraska compared to high in California
- In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and low in Nebraska
Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Nebraska
Comparison | California | Nebraska |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Largely Liberal/Democratic | Primarily Conservative/Republican |
Local Politics | Progressive Policies | Traditional Policies |
Religion | More Diverse, Less Religious Overall | More Homogeneous, Traditionally Christian |
- California tends to lean largely Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
- Nebraska, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Conservative/Republican
- Nebraska's religious environment can be described as more Homogeneous and Traditionally Christian
- California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more Diverse and Less Religious Overall
Education Guide When Moving from California to Nebraska
Comparison | California | Nebraska |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | UCLA UC Berkeley Stanford | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Creighton University University of Nebraska at Omaha |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Rancho Santa Fe Elementary La CaΓ±ada Elementary Irvine Unified Schools | Brownell-Talbot School Dundee Elementary Swanson Elementary |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Miller Creek Middle School Carmel Middle School Huntington Middle School | Elkhorn Ridge Middle School Beveridge Magnet Middle School Kiewit Middle School |
Top 3 High Schools | Henry M. Gunn High School Palo Alto High School Torrey Pines High School | Westside High School Millard North High School Elkhorn South High School |
Top 3 private high schools | Harvard-Westlake School Phillips Academy Andover The Harker School | Mount Michael Benedictine School Marian High School Brownell-Talbot School |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Harker School Harvard-Westlake School Crossroads School | Brownell-Talbot School Duchesne Academy Omaha Christian Academy |
Top 3 School Districts | Palo Alto Unified San Marino Unified Irvine Unified | Elkhorn Public Schools Westside Community Schools Millard Public Schools |
How Much Do California to Nebraska Movers Cost?
Moving 1,463 miles from California to Nebraska will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,032 | 300 ft3 | $6.77 |
1 Bedroom | $3,025 | 450 ft3 | $6.72 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,005 | 750 ft3 | $6.67 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,285 | 1100 ft3 | $6.62 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,517 | 1600 ft3 | $6.57 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,741 | 1800 ft3 | $6.52 |
Top California to Nebraska Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Nebraska movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

OCD Moving Services LLC
Best moving company overall for California to Nebraska