Virginia to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to California

ConsVirginia

• High summer humidity
• Limited cultural diversity
• Fewer job opportunities

ProsCalifornia

• Pleasant coastal climate
• Diverse communities
• Expansive job market

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California

• High cost of living
• Earthquake risks
• High population density

Virginia

• Lower living costs
• Rich history and heritage
• Quiet suburban areas

Pros of moving from Virginia to California

• Say goodbye to high summer humidity and hello to a pleasant coastal climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited cultural diversity and moving to California with diverse communities
• Swap the fewer job opportunities of Virginia for an expansive job market in California

Cons of moving from Virginia to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower living costs in Virginia to live with a high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and heritage and have to settle with the con of earthquake risks
• Time to bid farewell to quiet suburban areas and get used to a high population density in California

Virginia vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Virginia to California, you will be trading the iconic Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Avocado Toast of California. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Pork and sumptuous Hot Dogs, California residents know they have tasty Fish Tacos and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Garden Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Smoothie Bowls of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Zynodoa, and Lemaire. 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 n/naka.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and California

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference yard space and historic charm, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly aspects.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Virginia.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
• California has more of an urban feel than Virginia.
• California housing costs are 103% more expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
• Rent in California is 48.95% more expensive than in Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to California. California gets 39% more sunshine days than Virginia.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as in Virginia.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 7% more than in Virginia
• The COLI in California will be 41% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5.75% in VA
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Virginia
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate poverty in Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. California

• Virginia tends to lean moderately conservative with pockets of liberalism, especially in urban areas in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal, particularly in coastal regions
• California's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse with higher numbers of non-religious people
• Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a higher prevalence of Protestant and Evangelical Christians

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to California

How Much Do Virginia to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,653 miles from Virginia to California will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.