Wyoming to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wyoming to California

ConsWyoming

• Harsh winters
• Limited entertainment
• Rural isolation
• Sparse shopping
• Job market growth

ProsCalifornia

• Mild winters
• Vibrant culture
• Metropolitan life
• Retail variety
• Thriving industries

---

California

• Higher expenses
• Busy lifestyle
• Urban congestion
• Less intimate communities
• Heavy traffic

Wyoming

• Low cost of living
• Peaceful surroundings
• Open landscapes
• Cherished small towns
• Minimal traffic

Pros of moving from Wyoming to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from limited entertainment and moving to California with vibrant culture
• Swap the rural isolation of Wyoming for metropolitan life in California
• Get ready for retail variety in California

Cons of moving from Wyoming to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Wyoming to live with higher expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of peaceful surroundings and have to settle for the con of a busy lifestyle
• Time to bid farewell to open landscapes and get used to urban congestion in California
• Swap cherished small towns for less intimate communities

Wyoming vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Wyoming to California, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Wyoming for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in Wyoming rave about their flavorful Beef Jerky and sumptuous Indian Tacos, California residents know they have tasty Fish Tacos and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad 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 Wyoming eateries like King’s Saddlery, Pitchfork Fondue Western Cookout, and The Busy Bee Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Gjelina.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wyoming and California

• The Ranch architecture that Wyoming is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Wyoming's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious land and natural beauty, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the ocean and tech innovation hubs.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Wyoming.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Wyoming.
• California has more of an urban feel than Wyoming.
• California housing costs are 130% more expensive than they are in Wyoming, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Wyoming’s $340,933.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 40% increase in Wyoming.
• Rent in California is 148.04% more expensive than in Wyoming.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wyoming to California. California gets 35% more sunshine days than Wyoming.
• California has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wyoming.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and wildfires in Wyoming, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as Wyoming.
• The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Wyoming.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California. California receives 9.5 more inches of rain compared to Wyoming.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wyoming and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 31% more than in Wyoming
• The COLI in California is 38% higher than what you are used to living in Wyoming
• Bummer... By moving from WY to CA, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.0-13.3
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Wyoming
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low poverty in Wyoming
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wyoming and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Wyoming vs. California

• Wyoming tends to lean predominantly conservative with strong Republican voting and representation, and its policy priorities often include energy, land use, and agriculture in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly liberal with strong Democratic voting and representation, and its policy priorities often include climate action, technology, and social services
• California's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a large Christian population, notably Catholic and Protestant, and a sizable unaffiliated share, along with visible Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh communities
• Wyoming's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher share of Christian affiliation, where Protestant traditions are common, along with a presence of Latter-day Saint communities and a smaller but present unaffiliated population

Education Guide When Moving from Wyoming to California

How Much Do Wyoming to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,191 miles from Wyoming to California will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.