Montana to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to California

ConsMontana

• limited job opportunities
• harsh winter weather
• less cultural diversity
• rural isolation
• scarce public transport

ProsCalifornia

• booming job sector
• mild winter temperatures
• rich cultural variety
• urban social options
• efficient transport system

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California

• higher living expenses
• crowded urban areas
• heavy traffic issues
• less coherent community
• fast-paced lifestyle

Montana

• lower cost of living
• pristine wilderness
• less traffic congestion
• closer knit communities
• peaceful rural life

Pros of moving from Montana to California

• Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a booming job sector
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winter weather and moving to California with mild winter temperatures
• Swap the less cultural diversity of Montana for a rich cultural variety in California
• Get ready for urban social options in California

Cons of moving from Montana to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Montana to live with higher living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of pristine wilderness and have to settle for the con of crowded urban areas
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to heavy traffic issues in California
• Swap closer-knit communities for less coherent communities

Montana vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Montana to California, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Montana for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk Burgers and sumptuous Huckleberry Pie, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip BBQ and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice 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 Montana eateries like The Last Best Place, Mountain Delights, and Bison Brews. 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, Chez Panisse, and In-N-Out Burger.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and California

• The Ranch/Cabin architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Modern/Spanish Colonial architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference big sky and mountain views, California real estate listings often highlight features like beach access and urban amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Montana.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Montana.
• California has more of an urban feel than Montana.
• California housing costs are 72% more expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
• Rent in California is 93.45% more expensive than in Montana.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Montana to California. California gets 47% more sunshine days than Montana.
• California has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Montana.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and wildfires in Montana, 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 Montana.
• The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
• Your umbrella might be used the same in California. California receives inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 35% more than those in Montana
• The COLI in California is 37% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 6.75% in MT
• The affluence in California is wealthy compared to modest in Montana
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to moderate in Montana
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. California

• Montana tends to lean generally conservative in its political climate.
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic.
• California's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse, with a large unaffiliated population alongside sizable Catholic and Protestant communities and notable Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh populations in urban areas.
• Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher share of Christians (Protestant and Catholic), with smaller but notable LDS and other faith communities, while some residents are unaffiliated. Indigenous spiritual traditions are present in tribal communities.

How Much Do Montana to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,307 miles from Montana to California will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.