Vermont to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Vermont to California

ConsVermont

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Rural isolation
• Fewer events
• High property taxes

ProsCalifornia

• Sunny weather
• Thriving economy
• Urban lifestyle
• Cultural hotspots
• Diverse real estate

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California

• Overcrowded beaches
• High living costs
• Traffic congestion
• Fast-paced lifestyle

Vermont

• Natural beauty
• Community feel
• Low crime rate
• Quiet lifestyle

Pros of moving from Vermont to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to sunny weather
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to California with a thriving economy
• Swap the rural isolation of Vermont for an urban lifestyle in California
• Get ready for cultural hotspots in California

Cons of moving from Vermont to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Vermont to live with overcrowded beaches in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a community feel and have to settle with the con of high living costs
• Time to bid farewell to the low crime rate and get used to traffic congestion in California
• Swap a quiet lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

Vermont vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Vermont to California, you will be trading the iconic Maple Syrup of Vermont for the equally delicious Avocado Toast of California. And while the locals in Vermont rave about their flavorful Maple Glazed Ham and sumptuous Cheese Curds, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Maple Cashew Cheese they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Grilled Veggie Bowls of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Vermont eateries like Hen of the Wood, Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge, and The Daily Planet. 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, Gjelina, and n/naka.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Vermont and California

• The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Vermont is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Vermont's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the ocean and smart home features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Vermont.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Vermont.
• California has more of an urban feel than Vermont.
• California housing costs are 106% more expensive than they are in Vermont, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Vermont’s $381,042.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 50% increase in Vermont.
• Rent in California is 32.54% more expensive than in Vermont.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Vermont to California. California gets 80% more sunshine days than Vermont.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Vermont.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Vermont, 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 Vermont.
• The average winter lows are 38 degrees warmer than they are in Vermont.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 15 fewer inches of rain compared to Vermont.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Vermont and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 24% more than in Vermont
• The COLI in California will be 13% higher than what you are used to living in Vermont
• The state income tax in CA is 13.30% compared to 6.60% in VT
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Vermont
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Vermont
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Vermont and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Vermont vs. California

• Vermont tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
• Vermont's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Vermont to California

How Much Do Vermont to California Movers Cost?

Moving 3,072 miles from Vermont 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.