Best Idaho to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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ID to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state heralds not just a change of scenery but a thrilling leap into a new chapter of your life. From the rugged, picturesque landscapes of the Gem State to the sun-soaked, dynamic bustle of the Golden State, you're trading Idaho's quiet charm for California's endless opportunities. Recognizing the magnitude of this journey, it's crucial to entrust your move to professional movers who have earned their reputation, ensuring your belongings are in trusted and reliable hands every step of the way.

Idaho iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Idaho to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
208 Moving Company9.50A+Authorized For HHGContact
Valley Custom Moving9.40A+Authorized For HHGContact
Boise Local Boys Moving Company9.21NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Vantage Moving Solutions8.72A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Idaho guide.

6 Best ID to CA Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
208 Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,382+ data points

About 208 Moving Company

With over 5,000 satisfied customers and close to 9,000 boxes moved, 208 Moving Company provides you with the confidence you need when planni...Read More >>

Services

  • Local movers in Boise, ID
  • Long-distance moves throughout the continental United States
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2522386 / 875791

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Valley Custom Moving Logo
Exceptional9.40/10
based on 1,163+ data points

About Valley Custom Moving

Valley Custom Moving is a full-service moving company headquartered in Treasure Valley, Idaho that provides all types of moves, from large a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3254761 / 1025000

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved700,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Boise Local Boys Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 539+ data points

About Boise Local Boys Moving Company

Founded in 2018 by Brandon Lyda, Boise Local Boys Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving service in Boise, Idaho, serving the...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Packing
  • Furniture Assembly

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3630795 / 1243837

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Vantage Moving Solutions Logo
Superb8.72/10
based on 369+ data points

About Vantage Moving Solutions

Vantage Moving Solutions is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Boise, Idaho, serving the entire city and surrounding areas...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Cross-Country Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3408792 / 1360776

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to California

Moving from Idaho to California involves weighing various factors to ensure a well-informed decision. This comparison aims to highlight the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, offering an honest reflection through a unique pros and cons visualization. Understanding both sides will help you envision your potential new life more clearly.

CONs
PROs
Idaho iconIdaho
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Colder winters
  • Less entertainment options
  • Smaller tech industry
California iconCalifornia
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich multiculturalism
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Large tech hub
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Less open space
  • Can feel impersonal
  • Faster pace of life
Idaho iconIdaho
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quiet rural areas
  • More open spaces
  • Strong community feeling
  • Simpler lifestyle

When considering the move from Idaho to California, it's essential to delve deeper into specifics beyond the general pros and cons. For instance, California's diverse job market is significantly bolstered by the likes of Apple, Google, and numerous start-ups, offering vast opportunities especially in technology and entertainment sectors. In contrast, Idaho offers a serene lifestyle with attractions such as the tranquil Harriman State Park and the vibrant community of Boise. While California's high cost of living, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, might be a concern, the state compensates with its unparalleled cultural diversity, stunning beaches like those in Laguna Beach, and iconic sights including the Yosemite National Park. Balancing these factors can lead you to a fulfilling life in your new California home.

Idaho vs. California Food Guide

Food is a substantial part of local culture and plays a crucial role in defining what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we’ll embark on a journey to understand the gastronomic scene in two diverse states. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Idaho & California , providing insights to help you be better informed about the food scene in your new home.

IdahoCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemIdaho PotatoesCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishRocky Mountain ElkTri-tip barbecue
Most popular street food itemFinger SteaksFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodLentil ChiliAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • State & Lemp
  • Fork
  • Barbacoa Grill
  • The Cheeseboard
  • The French Laundry
  • n/naka
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Idaho offers a unique taste of the northwestern U.S. with its world-renowned potatoes and heartwarming dishes like Rocky Mountain Elk. You can savor these local delights at places like Fork in Boise. On the other hand, California's food scene is as diverse as its geography. From the iconic California Roll to innovative vegan dishes like Avocado Toast, the Golden State is a paradise for food lovers. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles boast an array of vegan restaurants and food trucks, emphasizing the state’s health-conscious culture. Whether you're indulging in Fish Tacos by the beach in San Diego or enjoying a meal at the French Laundry in Napa Valley, California offers an unparalleled culinary adventure.

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Idaho vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a critical factor when considering a move. Knowing how the housing market, lifestyle, and living conditions compare between Idaho and California is essential. This comparison will guide you through costs, architectural styles, and the general lifestyle you can expect in each state.

ComparisonIdahoCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanSpanish, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, mountain viewsOcean proximity, eco-friendly features

When diving deeper into these figures, the contrasts between Idaho and California become even more pronounced. In California, the high cost of housing reflects its robust real estate market and scarcity of land, especially in coastal areas. The prevalence of Spanish and modern architecture in California addresses both the cultural heritage and the desire for innovative, eco-friendly living spaces. On the other hand, Idaho's preference for ranch and craftsman-style homes speaks to its appreciation for traditional comfort and the state's natural beauty. Additionally, the significant difference in urban lifestyle ratings indicates California's bustling city life contrasted with Idaho's quieter, more spacious environment. These differences showcase the diverse living experiences offered by each state, shaped by their unique landscapes, cultures, and economies.

Idaho vs. California Weather Considerations

Moving to a new state brings many changes, and the weather is one of the most impactful. Understanding how the climate shifts from Idaho to California is essential for adjusting to your new environment. This comparison will help you grasp the variations in weather conditions between these two diverse states.

Summer icon
85°F / 50°F

Idaho

95°F / 65°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
34°F / 16°F

Idaho

60°F / 45°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
18

Idaho

22

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
60

Idaho

0-400

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIdahoCalifornia
Air QualityGoodVaries
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, WildfiresEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When you are transitioning from Idaho's moderate summers and cold winters to California's warmer climate, there are a few adjustments you'll need to make. California enjoys a higher number of sunny days, which directly impacts its higher average UV index – protect your skin accordingly. Moreover, the variance in air quality across California due to its size and number of cities is something to be mindful of, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities. Lastly, the range in annual snowfall in California is vast, depending on whether you're moving to a coastal city or the Sierra Nevada region, contrasting sharply with Idaho's consistent snow every winter.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Idaho to California

When considering a move from one state to another, understanding how the cost of living and financial environment in Idaho compares to California is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge what to expect in terms of expenses and economic opportunities.

ComparisonIdahoCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$72,785$91,551
Cost of Living Index91.5136.4
State Income Tax6.513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.630.73
Avg. Sales Tax6.038.56
Top 3 IndustriesScience, Technology, AgricultureTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

Moving from Idaho to California, you'll notice significant differences in living expenses and economic conditions. Despite the higher average household income in California, the state's cost of living index and state income tax rates are substantially higher than Idaho's, which could impact your net income and purchasing power. Although both states host vigorous economies with key industries such as technology and agriculture, California's affluence level stands out, along with higher rates of poverty and homelessness. This contrast illustrates the complexity of California's economic landscape and the importance of preparing financially for the transition.

Idaho vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Idaho & California provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscape of both states, offering insights for those contemplating a move from Idaho to California.

IdahoCalifornia
Political Make-upConservative DominanceLiberal Dominance
Local PoliticsRepublican Majority in LegislatureDemocratic Majority in Legislature
ReligionChristianity PredominantDiverse Religious Landscape

While Idaho is known for its conservative values with a significant Republican majority in its local politics, California, on the other hand, is renowned for its liberal stance, having a Democratic majority. This fundamental difference in political makeup influences local policies, lifestyle, and community initiatives significantly. In terms of religion, Idaho has a predominantly Christian population, which aligns with its conservative leanings. California's religious landscape is more diverse, reflecting its multitude of cultures and beliefs. Understanding these differences can help you adjust and integrate into your new community more effectively.

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to California

Moving from Idaho to California offers a wealth of opportunities, especially when it comes to education. To make your transition as smooth as possible, it's crucial to compare school options between Idaho and California. This comparison will help you understand what each state can offer for your family's educational needs.

IdahoCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
University of California (Various Campuses)
California State University (Various Campuses)
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Longfellow Elementary - Boise
Adams Elementary - Boise
Roosevelt Elementary - Boise
Point Vicente Elementary - Rancho Palos Verdes
Pacific Elementary - Manhattan Beach
Westlake Elementary - Santa Cruz

Top 3 Middle Schools

North Junior High - Boise
East Junior High - Boise
Heritage Middle - Meridian
Miller Middle - San Jose
Egan Junior High - Los Altos
Redwood Middle - Saratoga

Top 3 High School Schools

Boise High - Boise
Timberline High - Boise
Capital High - Boise
Henry M. Gunn High - Palo Alto
Torrey Pines High - San Diego
Palo Alto High - Palo Alto

Top 3 private high schools

The Ambrose School - Meridian
Bishop Kelly High School - Boise
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
Harvard-Westlake School - Los Angeles
The Bishop's School - La Jolla
Stanford Online High School - Stanford

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Riverstone International School - Boise
North Star Charter - Eagle
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
The Harker School - San Jose
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences - Santa Monica
The Webb Schools - Claremont

Top 3 School Districts

Boise School District
West Ada School District
Coeur d'Alene School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District

While moving from Idaho to California, you'll find that the education landscape is quite diverse with a strong emphasis on quality. California's schools, for instance, often rank highly in national lists, with exceptional programs ranging from the arts to the sciences. A closer look at the University of California campuses and California State University campuses shows a wide variety of options for higher education that cater to nearly every field of study imaginable. Private education in California also stands out with institutions like Harvard-Westlake School and Stanford Online High School providing rigorous academics coupled with expansive extracurricular opportunities. Comparatively, Idaho also offers solid education through its public and private institutions, with a focus on community and smaller class sizes. This comprehensive comparison aims to give you a clearer insight into what you can expect in terms of educational opportunities for your children in these diverse states.

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