California to Vermont Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Vermont

ConsCalifornia

• Sky-high housing costs
• Congested traffic
• Long commutes
• Wildfire smoke
• Drought worries
• Earthquake risk
• Crowded beaches
• Urban sprawl
• High population density
• Summer heat waves
• Year-round noise
• Limited autumn color
• Water restrictions
• High outdoor crowds

ProsVermont

• More affordable homes
• Light traffic
• Shorter drives
• Cleaner air
• Abundant freshwater
• Lower seismic risk
• Quiet lakeshores
• Scenic small towns
• Low population density
• Cooler summer temps
• Peaceful countryside
• Iconic fall foliage
• Plenty of rainfall
• Uncrowded trails

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Vermont

• Fewer job options
• Lower average pay
• Long cold winters
• No ocean coastline
• Limited flight options
• Fewer dining choices
• Fewer urban amenities
• Sparse public transit
• Few major teams
• Cloudier, shorter days
• Seasonal limitations
• Quieter evenings
• Fewer large festivals
• Limited tech scene

California

• Booming job market
• Higher salaries
• Mild winters
• Ocean beaches
• Major airports
• Diverse cuisine
• Major city amenities
• Robust public transit
• Pro sports teams
• Year-round sunshine
• Endless outdoor variety
• Vibrant nightlife
• Large cultural events
• Quick tech access

Pros of moving from California to Vermont

• Say goodbye to sky-high housing costs and hello to more affordable homes
• Look forward to moving away from congested traffic and moving to Vermont with light traffic
• Swap the long commutes of California for shorter drives in Vermont
• Get ready for cleaner air in Vermont

Cons of moving from California to Vermont

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a booming job market in California to live with fewer job options in Vermont
• You'll lose out on the pro of higher salaries and have to settle for the con of lower average pay
• Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to the long cold winters in Vermont
• Swap ocean beaches for no ocean coastline

California vs. Vermont: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Vermont, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Maple Syrup of Vermont. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip barbecue and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Vermont residents know they have tasty Maple-glazed ham and Poutine 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 Maple Cashew Nuts of Vermont. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and Nopa. After the boxes are unpacked in Vermont, don't wait too long before making your way to Vermont's acclaimed eateries like Hen of the Wood, Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge, and The Farmhouse Tap and Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Vermont

• The Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Vermont.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and outdoor spaces, Vermont real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and privacy.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Vermont is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Vermont is more bike-friendly than California.
• Vermont has less of an urban feel than California.
• Vermont housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $381,042 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Vermont have increased by 50% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Vermont is 24.55% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Vermont. Vermont gets 44% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Vermont 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 floods in Vermont.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Vermont is 5 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 35 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Vermont. Vermont receives 20 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Vermont

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Vermont tend to earn about 19% less than in California
• The COLI in Vermont will be 12% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in VT is 8.75% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Vermont is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Vermont compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Vermont

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Vermont

• California tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Vermont, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Vermont's religious environment can be described as less religious overall, with a significant number of non-religious residents
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with no single majority religion

How Much Do California to Vermont Movers Cost?

Moving 3,084 miles from California to Vermont will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.