New York to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to California

ConsNew York

• Harsh winters
• Expensive housing
• Heavy traffic

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Varied real estate options
• Relaxed lifestyle

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California

• Higher living costs
• Wildfire risk
• Car-dependent areas

New York

• Vibrant nightlife
• Diverse culture
• Efficient public transport

Pros of moving from New York to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from expensive housing and moving to California with varied real estate options
• Swap the heavy traffic of New York for a relaxed lifestyle in California

Cons of moving from New York to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in New York to live with higher living costs in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle with the con of wildfire risk
• Time to bid farewell to efficient public transport and get used to car-dependent areas in California

New York vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to California, you will be trading the iconic Bagel of New York for the equally delicious Avocado Toast of California. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful Pastrami on Rye and sumptuous Hot Dog, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Barbecue and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Acai Bowl of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Per Se, and Di Fara Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like In-N-Out Burger, Chez Panisse, and The French Laundry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and California

• The Pre-war and Modern architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to subway and rooftop access, California real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor living spaces and eco-friendly attributes.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; California is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; California is less bike-friendly than New York.
• California has less of an urban feel than New York.
• California housing costs are 70% more expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Over the prior five years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
• Rent in California is 9.11% more expensive than in New York.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New York and California

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from New York to California. California gets 27% more sunshine days than New York.
• California has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees warmer than in New York.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 27.9 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 15% more than those in New York
• The COLI in California is 33% higher than what you are used to living in New York
• The state income tax in CA is 1%-13.3% compared to 4%-10.9% in NY
• The affluence in California is high compared to that in New York
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to that in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in New York and significant in California

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. California

• New York tends to lean majority Democrat in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as majority Democrat
• California's religious environment can be described as having a large secular population
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied, with many faiths

Education Guide When Moving from New York to California

How Much Do New York to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,933 miles from New York 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.