Movers

California to Nebraska Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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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

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Seasonal wildfires
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Earthquake risks
  • High taxes
ProsNebraska iconNebraska
  • Affordable housing
  • Safer from wildfires
  • Less traffic
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Lower taxes

Nebraska iconNebraska
  • Limited cultural attractions
  • Fewer high-tech jobs
  • Harsh winter conditions
  • Fewer restaurant choices
  • Landlocked
California iconCalifornia
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaNebraska
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadRunza
Most popular meat dishTrip-tip BBQBeef Steak
Most popular street food itemFish TacosCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Omaha Bakery
  • Misty's Steakhouse & Brewery
  • Le Bouillon
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonCaliforniaNebraska
Typical Architecture StyleModern, CraftsmanRanch, Victorian
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, Solar panelsLarge 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 California’s $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

ComparisonCaliforniaNebraska
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, WildfiresTornadoes, Hailstorms
Air QualityVariable, often poor in citiesGenerally good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F87Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 45Β°F33Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2230
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

ComparisonCaliforniaNebraska
Avg. Household Income$91,551$69,597
Cost of Living Index136.490.85
State Income TaxUp to 13.3%Up to 6.84%
Avg. Property Tax0.73%1.61%
Avg. Sales Tax7.25%5.5%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureAgriculture, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessSevereLow
  • 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

ComparisonCaliforniaNebraska
Political Make-upLargely Liberal/DemocraticPrimarily Conservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesTraditional Policies
ReligionMore Diverse, Less Religious OverallMore 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

ComparisonCaliforniaNebraska
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 SchoolsRancho Santa Fe Elementary
La CaΓ±ada Elementary
Irvine Unified Schools
Brownell-Talbot School
Dundee Elementary
Swanson Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMiller Creek Middle School
Carmel Middle School
Huntington Middle School
Elkhorn Ridge Middle School
Beveridge Magnet Middle School
Kiewit Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsHenry 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 schoolsHarvard-Westlake School
Phillips Academy Andover
The Harker School
Mount Michael Benedictine School
Marian High School
Brownell-Talbot School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Harker School
Harvard-Westlake School
Crossroads School
Brownell-Talbot School
Duchesne Academy
Omaha Christian Academy
Top 3 School DistrictsPalo 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 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,032300 ft3$6.77
1 Bedroom$3,025450 ft3$6.72
2 Bedrooms$5,005750 ft3$6.67
3 Bedrooms$7,2851100 ft3$6.62
4 Bedrooms$10,5171600 ft3$6.57
5+ Bedrooms$11,7411800 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.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Nebraska

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