Best Missouri to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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MO to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state heralds an exhilarating chapter in your life, filled with new possibilities and adventures. You might be trading Missouri's Gateway Arch and barbecue delights for California's golden beaches and the tech wonders of Silicon Valley, embarking on a significant transition from the Show-Me State to the Golden State. Recognizing the importance of this journey, it's crucial to enlist reliable and professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we utilize an unbiased algorithm to meticulously rank and connect you with the best movers, ensuring your transition is as smooth and secure as possible.

Missouri iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Missouri to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC9.61NRAUTHORIZED FOR HHGContact
Tiger Moving LLC9.35NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Action Moving9.32A+Authorized For HHGContact
God's Movers, LLC9.07A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Missouri guide.

6 Best MO 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 12/17/2024)

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 12/17/2024)

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
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.61/10
based on 1,711+ data points

About Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC is a full-time moving company servicing the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Thi...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Moving Service
  • Commercial Moving Service
  • Long Distance Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 3/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4004648 / 1506082

AUTHORIZED FOR HHG

CARRIER

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers-
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Tiger Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,550+ data points

About Tiger Moving LLC

Tiger Moving LLC is the leading service in Columbia for all your home and office moving needs. It has been recognized time after time by cus...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Moving Labor

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3424063 / 1546145

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Action Moving Logo
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 515+ data points

About Action Moving

Action Moving is a full-service packing and moving company with over 75 years of experience. It is located in Joplin, MO, and services the s...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Moving
  • Professional Packing Service
  • Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

934584 / 402403

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved34,950 (2019)
View Full Review
5
God's Movers, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.07/10
based on 503+ data points

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years. It provides compl...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2417601 / 946280

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
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 Missouri to California

Moving across the country is a significant life event, and doing so from Missouri to California involves weighing numerous factors. This guide provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad, helping you make an informed decision. To best illustrate these aspects, we present charts that compare the pros and cons of relocating from Missouri to California and vice versa.

CONs
PROs
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Limited cultural diversity
  • Harsher winters
  • Lower job growth
  • Fewer outdoor activities
California iconCalifornia
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Milder winters
  • Higher job growth
  • Abundant outdoor activities
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Expensive housing
  • More traffic congestion
  • Larger, more impersonal cities
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Lower cost of living
  • More affordable housing
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Smaller, close-knit communities

When considering a move from Missouri to California, it's essential to weigh the cultural and lifestyle changes that come with it. California offers a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, with neighborhoods and restaurants celebrating traditions from around the globe. Places like Los Angeles' neighborhoods, from Koreatown to Little Armenia, offer authentic experiences and cuisines. For outdoor enthusiasts, California's landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration—from the beaches of the Central Coast to the hiking trails in Yosemite National Park. On the other hand, Missouri's more affordable cost of living and smaller community feel might suit those looking for a slower pace or lower financial burden. In summary, your decision should align with your personal, professional, and lifestyle priorities.

Missouri vs. California Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is a crucial aspect of getting acquainted with a new area's culture, as food plays a significant role in daily life and community. Here, we’ll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Missouri & California, giving you a taste of the gastronomic scene awaiting you in your new home.

MissouriCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis BBQFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishSmoked BrisketTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemToasted RavioliStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The French Laundry
  • Zuni Café
  • The Cheeseboard
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Missouri, the BBQ scene dominates with venues like Pappy's Smokehouse in St. Louis being a must-visit for meat lovers. The city is also known for its unique take on Italian American cuisine, with toasted ravioli being a beloved street food item. On the other hand, California offers a diverse culinary landscape, reflected in its popularity of Mexican-inspired dishes like fish tacos and an overarching theme of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients manifesting in dishes like avocado toast. Vegan and health-conscious options are more prevalent here, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where plant-based diets are catered to enthusiastically. The high rating for California's foodie scene indicates a vibrant, innovative, and diverse culinary culture, attracting food lovers from all over the world.

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Missouri vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future homes is crucial. This guide aims to illuminate the differences and similarities between Missouri and California's housing to arm you with knowledge for a smooth transition. The comparison covers various aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision about your new home.

ComparisonMissouriCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, CraftsmanModern, Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingsSpacious backyards, Garage storageOcean views, Eco-friendly features

When analyzing the housing data between Missouri and California, several fascinating trends emerge. Missouri presents a more affordable housing market, with median home prices significantly lower than California's, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life. The architecture in Missouri tends towards traditional and Craftsman styles, reflecting its historical roots, whereas California offers a blend of modern and Spanish influences, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences. The lifestyle in California rates higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban living experience, owing partly to its dense, activity-rich cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. This is complemented by California's real estate listings that frequently boast ocean views and eco-friendly features, highlighting the state's natural beauty and environmental consciousness. Whether it's Missouri's spacious and homely charm or California's dynamic and scenic allure, each state offers a distinct living experience tailored to different preferences and priorities.

Missouri vs. California Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another brings about a change in many aspects of life, including the weather. Understanding how the weather in Missouri compares to California is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you prepare for the differences in climate and seasonal changes you'll experience.

Summer icon
89°F/67°F

Missouri

85°F/60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40°F/20°F

Missouri

67°F/47°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Missouri

22 (Varies by region)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
18

Missouri

Varies significantly by region

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMissouriCalifornia
Air QualityModerateVaries Significantly
Natural DisastersTornadoes, HailstormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Missouri experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, California’s climate varies from Mediterranean to alpine, depending on the region. This leads to a wide variation in weather patterns, particularly in temperature and precipitation. California enjoys more days of sunshine and a higher average UV index, which is great for outdoor activities but also calls for more rigorous sun protection. The threat of natural disasters differs greatly between the two, with Missouri being prone to tornadoes and hailstorms, while California faces earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these differences can aid in better preparing you for seasonal activities, health precautions, and disaster preparedness in your new home.

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

When considering a move from Missouri to California, it's crucial to understand how aspects related to money and finance will differ. This comparison aims to highlight the cost variations you'll encounter, ensuring you're well-prepared for this significant change.

ComparisonMissouriCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$64,811$91,551
Cost of Living Index91.8136.4
State Income Tax0-5.4%1-13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%8.66%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, ServicesTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessLowerHigher

While the average household income in California is significantly higher than in Missouri, the cost of living index is also considerably more. This means your income might stretch further in Missouri for everyday expenses. Taxes in California can be higher, especially when looking at income tax, which can reach up to 13.3% for higher income brackets. The technology, agriculture, and entertainment industries dominate the California economy, offering different career opportunities than Missouri's agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. These financial and economic differences are essential to consider for anyone planning to make the move from Missouri to California.

Missouri vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Missouri to California, it's beneficial to understand the composition of the populations you'll encounter. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Missouri & California, helping you gauge how your beliefs and values might align with those of your new neighbors.

MissouriCalifornia
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsDivided between urban (liberal) and rural (conservative) areasDominantly liberal, especially in coastal and urban areas
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communitiesDiverse religious landscape with Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jewish communities

In Missouri, you'll find a state where politics can vary significantly depending on whether you're in an urban or rural area, with cities like St. Louis and Kansas City harboring more liberal views compared to the conservative-leaning countryside. The religious makeup is predominantly Christian, reflecting a mix of Protestant and Catholic beliefs. In contrast, California presents a much more liberal stance in both politics and social attitudes, especially in coastal and urban regions like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Golden State boasts a rich tapestry of faiths beyond Christianity, highlighting its extensive cultural diversity. This contrast not only marks a shift in political and religious landscapes but also reflects the broader diversity that California offers. Understanding these differences will be key as you transition to your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to California

Moving between states can be a daunting task, especially when considering the best educational environment for your family. This comparison is designed to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Missouri and California , highlighting key differences in educational standings and top-ranked institutions at various levels.

MissouriCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of California (Berkeley)
Stanford University
University of California (Los Angeles)

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Conway Elementary (Ladue)
Lincoln Elementary (Clayton)
Wilson School (Clayton)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Westlake Elementary School (Santa Cruz)
Old Adobe Elementary Charter School (Petaluma)

Top 3 Middle Schools

John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
Ladue Middle School (Ladue)
Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Miller Middle School (San Jose)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)

Top 3 High Schools

Clayton High School (Clayton)
Metro Academic and Classical High School (St. Louis)
Ladue Horton Watkins High (Ladue)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Palo Alto High School (Palo Alto)

Top 3 private high schools

The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (St. Louis)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Thomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
The Barstow School (Kansas City)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)

Top 3 School Districts

Clayton School District
Kirkwood R-VII School District
Ladue School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
San Mateo Union High School District

While both Missouri and California offer excellent educational opportunities, the focus and strengths of their institutions can differ significantly. For example, California is renowned for its robust public university system, with top-tier institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University drawing students from around the globe. On the contrary, Missouri prides itself on its mix of high-quality public and private education, from its top-ranked universities like Washington University in St. Louis to leading preparatory schools like The Pembroke Hill School and John Burroughs School. Whether you're moving for elementary, middle, or high school education, both states offer diverse and rich educational landscapes tailored to various interests and academic needs.

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