Movers

Nebraska to California Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 1,463 mile interstate move from Nebraska to California? This moving guide will help you compare living in Nebraska vs California across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Runza vs Sourdough Bread), real estate & housing (ranch vs spanish mission/mid-century modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Runza and Beef Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Sourdough Bread & Tri-tip
  • California housing costs are 205% more expensive than they are in Nebraska
  • Rent in California is 113.53% more expensive than in Nebraska
  • Moving from Nebraska to California will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Nebraska to California movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

Nebraska to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Nebraska to California

ConsNebraska iconNebraska
  • Severe winters
  • Limited entertainment options
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Flat landscape
ProsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse job market
  • Varied landscapes

California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Hectic lifestyle
  • Overcrowding
  • Earthquake risks
Nebraska iconNebraska
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • Close-knit communities
  • Lack of natural disasters

Pros of moving from Nebraska to California

  • Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited entertainment options and moving to California with a vibrant cultural scene
  • Swap the fewer job opportunities of Nebraska for a diverse job market in California
  • Get ready for varied landscapes in California

Cons of moving from Nebraska to California

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Nebraska to live with a higher cost of living in California
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter lifestyle and have to settle with the con of a hectic lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to overcrowding in California
  • Swap a lack of natural disasters for earthquake risks

Nebraska vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNebraskaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemRunzaSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishBeef SteakTri-tip
Most popular street food itemCorn DogsFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBlack Bean BurgersAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Drover
  • Misty's Steakhouse
  • Modern Love
  • Chez Panisse
  • Gjelina
  • In-N-Out Burger
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Nebraska to California, you will be trading the iconic Runza of Nebraska for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in Nebraska rave about their flavorful Beef Steak and sumptuous Corn Dogs, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers 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 Nebraska eateries like The Drover, Misty's Steakhouse, and Modern Love. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Gjelina, and In-N-Out Burger.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Nebraska and California

ComparisonNebraskaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleRanchSpanish Mission/Mid-Century Modern
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, garagesEco-friendly features, pools
  • The Ranch architecture that Nebraska is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Mission and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of California.
  • Compared to Nebraska's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly options and pools.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Nebraska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Nebraska.
  • California has more of an urban feel than Nebraska.
  • California housing costs are 205% more expensive than they are in Nebraska with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Nebraska’s $257,167.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 47% increase in Nebraska.
  • Rent in California is 113.53% more expensive than in Nebraska.

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

ComparisonNebraskaCalifornia
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornados, BlizzardsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVaries Significantly
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 64Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F / 14Β°F60Β°F / 45Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30"22" (Varies by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)28"Varies (often <1" in lowlands)
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Nebraska to California. California gets 27% more sunshine days than Nebraska.
  • California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Nebraska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Nebraska, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
  • The average summer high temperature in California is the same as Nebraska.
  • The average winter lows are 31 degrees warmer than they are in Nebraska.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Nebraska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Nebraska and California

ComparisonNebraskaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$69,597$91,551
Cost of Living Index90.85136.4
State Income Tax6.84%13.3%
Avg. Property Tax1.76%0.73%
Avg. Sales Tax6.94%8.82%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceTechnology, Entertainment, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 32% more than those in Nebraska
  • The COLI in California is 50% higher than what you are used to living in Nebraska
  • The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 6.84% in NE
  • The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Nebraska
  • The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low poverty in Nebraska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Nebraska and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Nebraska vs. California

ComparisonNebraskaCalifornia
Political Make-upConservatively inclinedLiberal-leaning
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state legislatureDemocratic control of state legislature
ReligionChristianity predominantly, with emphasis on ProtestantismDiverse religious landscape, but large non-religious segment
  • Nebraska tends to lean conservatively in its political climate
  • California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal-leaning
  • California's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with a large non-religious segment
  • Nebraska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with an emphasis on Protestantism

Education Guide When Moving from Nebraska to California

ComparisonNebraskaCalifornia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Nebraska
Creighton University
Nebraska Wesleyan University
University of California
California State University
Stanford University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPaddock Road Elementary (Omaha)
Dundee Elementary (Omaha)
Meadow Lane Elementary (Lincoln)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach)
El Carmelo Elementary (Palo Alto)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrownell-Talbot School (Omaha)
Elkhorn Ridge Middle School (Elkhorn)
Scott Middle School (Lincoln)
Henry M. Gunn Junior High (Palo Alto)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate (Moraga)
Miller Middle School (San Jose)
Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln East High School (Lincoln)
Westside High School (Omaha)
Millard North High School (Millard)
Palo Alto High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)
Henry Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Top 3 private high schoolsBrownell-Talbot School (Omaha)
Mount Michael Benedictine School (Elkhorn)
Marian High School (Omaha)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBrownell-Talbot School (Omaha)
Omaha Christian Academy (Omaha)
Lincoln Christian School (Lincoln)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
Top 3 School DistrictsWestside Community Schools (Omaha)
Millard Public Schools (Omaha)
Elkhorn Public Schools (Elkhorn)
Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto)
San Marino Unified School District (San Marino)
La CaΓ±ada Unified School District (La CaΓ±ada Flintridge)

How Much Do Nebraska to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,463 miles from Nebraska to California will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,032300 ft3$6.77
1 Bedroom$3,025450 ft3$6.72
2 Bedrooms$5,005750 ft3$6.67
3 Bedrooms$7,2851100 ft3$6.62
4 Bedrooms$10,5171600 ft3$6.57
5+ Bedrooms$11,7411800 ft3$6.52

Top Nebraska to California Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Nebraska to California movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for Nebraska to California

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha featured image

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

9.48/10
ExceptionalView details