Massachusetts to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to California

ConsMassachusetts

• Cold Winters
• High Housing Costs
• Traffic Congestion

ProsCalifornia

• Mediterranean Climate
• Vast Job Market
• Outdoor Lifestyle

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California

• Earthquake Concerns
• Wildfire Risk
• Cost of Living

Massachusetts

• Rich History
• Beautiful Foliage
• Sports Culture

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to California

• Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to the Mediterranean climate
• Look forward to moving away from high housing costs and moving to California with a vast job market
• Swap the traffic congestion of Massachusetts for an outdoor lifestyle in California

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Massachusetts to live with earthquake concerns in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful foliage and have to settle for the con of wildfire risk
• Time to bid farewell to the sports culture and get used to the cost of living in California

Massachusetts vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to California, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Baked Beans and Pork and sumptuous Lobster Roll, California residents know they have tasty Tri-Tip Steak and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Harvest Bowl 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 Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Legal Sea Foods, and Oleana. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Animal, and Gjelina.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and California

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and proximity to schools, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and sustainable features.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; California is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• California has more of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• California housing costs are 28% more expensive than in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in California is 7.38% more expensive than in Massachusetts.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to California. California gets 42% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows are 23 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 25.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 3% less than in Massachusetts
• The COLI in California is 12% higher than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in CA is between 1% and 13.3% compared to 5% in MA
• The affluence in California is varied compared to high affluence in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate poverty in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is managed in Massachusetts and severe in California

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. California

• Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as Christian with a Catholic majority and broad diversity in religious beliefs
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian with a Catholic majority and a diverse religious presence

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to California

How Much Do Massachusetts to California Movers Cost?

Moving 3,099 miles from Massachusetts to California 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.