Missouri to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to California

ConsMissouri

• Severe winter weather
• Fewer tech opportunities
• Limited cultural events
• Predominantly flat terrain
• Less diverse population

ProsCalifornia

• Mild year-round climate
• Vast tech industry
• Dynamic cultural life
• Diverse landscapes
• Culturally diverse state

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California

• High living expenses
• Heavy traffic issues
• High population density
• Noisy urban centers
• More transient residents

Missouri

• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion
• Friendly people
• Quiet suburban areas
• Strong community ties

Pros of moving from Missouri to California

• Say goodbye to severe winter weather and hello to a mild year-round climate
• Look forward to moving away from fewer tech opportunities and moving to California with a vast tech industry
• Swap the limited cultural events of Missouri for a dynamic cultural life in California
• Get ready for diverse landscapes in California

Cons of moving from Missouri to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Missouri to live with high living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle with the con of heavy traffic issues
• Time to bid farewell to friendly people and get used to a high population density in California
• Swap quiet suburban areas for noisy urban centers

Missouri vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Missouri to California, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis BBQ of Missouri for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful Smoked Brisket and sumptuous Toasted Ravioli, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit 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 Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Salt & Smoke, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The French Laundry, Zuni Café, and The Cheeseboard.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and California

• The Traditional and Craftsman architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garage storage, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Missouri.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Missouri.
• California has more of an urban feel than Missouri.
• California housing costs are 222% more expensive than they are in Missouri, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Missouri’s $243,216.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
• Rent in California is 104.26% more expensive than in Missouri.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Missouri to California. California gets 39% more sunshine days than Missouri.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Missouri.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hailstorms in Missouri, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 4 degrees colder than in Missouri.
• The average winter lows in California are 27 degrees warmer than they are in Missouri.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Missouri.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 41% more than in Missouri
• The COLI in California will be 49% higher than what you are used to living in Missouri
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5.4% in MO
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Missouri
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to notable poverty in Missouri
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Missouri and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. California

• Missouri tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jewish communities
• Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to California

How Much Do Missouri to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,846 miles from Missouri to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.