California to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Virginia

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risk
• Earthquakes

ProsVirginia

• Affordability
• Less crowded cities
• Stable weather
• No earthquake risk

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Virginia

• Cold winters
• No ocean beaches
• Less diversity
• Fewer tech jobs

California

• Warm climate
• Beach access
• Cultural diversity
• Thriving tech scene

Pros of moving from California to Virginia

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordability
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Virginia with less crowded cities
• Swap the wildfire risk of California for stable weather in Virginia
• Get ready for no earthquake risk in Virginia

Cons of moving from California to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the warm climate in California to live with cold winters in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of no ocean beaches
• Time to bid farewell to cultural diversity and get used to less diversity in Virginia
• Swap the thriving tech scene for fewer tech jobs

California vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Peanuts 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 Vegetable Soup of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Sally Bell's Kitchen, and Mama J's Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Virginia

• The Modern and Mediterranean architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and sustainable features, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Virginia is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Virginia is less bike-friendly than California.
• Virginia has less of an urban feel than California.
• Virginia housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Virginia is 32.87% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Virginia. Virginia gets 28% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Virginia 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 floods in Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 2 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 22 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 6% less than in California
• The COLI in Virginia will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in VA is 5.75% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Virginia is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is manageable in Virginia compared to noticeable in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and moderate in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Virginia

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, leaning Democratic
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, with evangelical Protestants notably present
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more religiously diverse

Education Guide When Moving from California to Virginia

How Much Do California to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 2,653 miles from California to Virginia 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.