DC to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to California

ConsDC

• Expensive housing
• Limited outdoor space
• Traffic congestion
• Political intensity

ProsCalifornia

• Better weather
• Diverse landscapes
• Public transportation options
• Laid-back lifestyle

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California

• Higher cost of living
• Higher taxes
• Navigating wildfires
• Earthquake risks

DC

• Rich history
• Thriving job market
• Varied seasons
• Cultural diversity

Pros of moving from DC to California

• Say goodbye to expensive housing and hello to better weather
• Look forward to moving away from limited outdoor space and moving to California with diverse landscapes
• Swap the traffic congestion of DC for public transportation options in California
• Get ready for a laid-back lifestyle in California

Cons of moving from DC to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in DC to live with a higher cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a thriving job market and have to settle with the con of higher taxes
• Time to bid farewell to varied seasons and get used to navigating wildfires in California
• Swap cultural diversity for earthquake risks

DC vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to California, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Wings and sumptuous Food Trucks, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip BBQ and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Forward Dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Old Ebbitt Grill, and Zaytinya. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chateau Marmont, In-N-Out Burger, and The Cheesecake Factory.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and California

• The Federal and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the metro and historic charm, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the beach and solar panels.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; California is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; California is less bike-friendly than DC.
• California has less of an urban feel than DC.
• California housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in California is 13.62% more expensive than in DC.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to California. California gets 40% more sunshine days than DC.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and hurricanes in DC, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 18.8 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 9% less than in DC
• The COLI in California will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 8.5% in DC
• The affluence in California is varied compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to moderate in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in DC and widespread in California

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. California

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as highly diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and non-religious beliefs
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied, with notable Christian and non-religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from DC to California

How Much Do DC to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,807 miles from DC to California 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.