California to Vermont Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Vermont

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Overcrowded cities
• Severe droughts
• Heavy traffic
• Wildfire threats

ProsVermont

• Lower cost of living
• Peaceful rural life
• Abundant natural water
• Less congestion
• Safer environment

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Vermont

• Limited cultural events
• Cold, snowy winters
• Fewer dining choices
• Fewer higher ed choices
• Less geographic diversity

California

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Year-round sunshine
• Diverse culinary options
• Top-rated universities
• Varied landscapes

Pros of moving from California to Vermont

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from overcrowded cities and moving to Vermont with peaceful rural life
• Swap the severe droughts of California for abundant natural water in Vermont
• Get ready for less congestion in Vermont

Cons of moving from California to Vermont

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant cultural scene in California to live with limited cultural events in Vermont
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round sunshine and have to settle for the con of cold, snowy winters
• Time to bid farewell to diverse culinary options and get used to fewer dining choices in Vermont
• Swap top-rated universities for fewer higher education choices

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

Education Guide When Moving from California to Vermont

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.