Moving from California to New York spans 3,000 miles, bringing with it not only a major change in lifestyle but also plenty of logistical challenges. As such, it can be an adventure — or an overwhelmingly stressful experience, and it all depends on how well prepared you are.
Whether you're a big city transplant moving from San Francisco or LA to NYC or trading laid-back SoCal beaches for the skyscrapers of Manhattan, it’s easy to see how anxiety could creep in. But with the right help and smart planning, you can make moving to New York a little less overwhelming. And it all starts with this guide.
What to Expect When Moving from California to New York
Climate
If you’re a lover of the California sunshine, New York’s winters could take some getting used to. The familiar sight of wind-blown beach sand gives way to swirling snowflakes — still a beautiful scene, but a far cry from what you’d typically experience in most parts of California.
Living anywhere in New York state means you’ll experience snow, ice, wind, rain, and fog in the winter. And yet, there’s plenty to look forward to for the rest of the year, because New York is truly a four-season state, with sunshine-filled summers, gorgeous autumn foliage, and beautiful springtimes to balance out all that winter weather.
Here are a few fast facts about New York’s climate:
Most of New York state is in the humid continental climate zone, which means hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. In winter, the further north you go, the colder it gets.
The area specifically around New York City is slightly warmer and more humid, landing it in the humid subtropical zone. But don’t let the subtropical part fool you — when you’re moving to NYC, you’ll want to invest in some heavy-duty winter coats in addition to your bathing suit.
Southeastern New York tends to be sunnier, while western New York (around Buffalo) tends to be cloudier. The area around Buffalo is home to the famous “lake-effect snowstorms,” in which lake water evaporates, then cools, only to dump its moisture on the ground as heavy snow.
Cost of Living
Brace yourself for a housing market that will probably make most Californians do a double-take, even those hailing from LA or San Francisco. New York — especially New York City — is expensive. Compared to the national average, the cost of living in New York City is:
18 percent higher than Los Angeles
4 percent higher than San Francisco
Living in NYC is, naturally, more expensive than the New York state average. New York City is:
41 percent higher than the state average overall
77 percent higher than the national average for overall expenses
238 percent (not a typo!) more expensive than the national average for housing
20 percent higher than the national average for goods and services
Beyond the Price Tag
Because the larger cities in the Golden State are among the most expensive in the nation, most Californians usually don't have to worry about cost of living when moving out of California — but NYC is clearly the exception.
But if New York City is where you’re planning to relocate, the conversation should be about much more than just how much a bag of groceries cost or how much rent is each month. With the higher cost of living comes access to unparalleled amenities and experiences that make this move worth it.
Culture & Lifestyle
In New York City, you’ll find many of the features you’re already used to in California, but with a distinct East Coast flavor. In New York City, just like in California, you can see or do it all: World-class museums, theaters, shopping, and entertainment venues? Check. World-class wine and food? Check. A rich diversity of languages and cultures? Triple check.
But unlike sprawling California cities, NYC packs it all into a compact, walkable area. The subway system means you can hop from a Broadway show to a world-renowned museum or restaurant in minutes. You can take a food tour around the globe by eating in a different authentic restaurant every night of the week.
And with NYC living up to its name as “the city that never sleeps,” you can count on late-night dining, 24-hour subway service, and round-the-clock activities that cater to every interest, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening just around the corner at every moment.
Not to mention, New York is a global center for finance, fashion, media, and technology, so living there opens up a whole new frontier for exciting career possibilities.
Outside of the city, you’ll still have lots of recreational opportunities. Here are just a few highlights:
Camping, hiking, or skiing in the Catskills or Adirondack mountains
Visiting historic homes such as the Rockefeller Estate or the Vanderbilt mansion in the Hudson Valley
Touring the state’s seven wine regions
Transportation
While California has some public transit options like BART in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles Metro Rail, most Californians are accustomed to being dependent on their cars.
Inside New York City, car ownership is relatively low at 45 percent. But outside of NYC, you’ll need a vehicle. And that car will need to be equipped for winter driving with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, a cold-resistant battery, and snow or all-weather tires.
Additionally, the Long Island Rail Road carries passengers throughout the state on hundreds of trains each day. LIRR service runs 24/7, on rail lines stretching from the eastern tip of Long Island to Penn Station in Manhattan.
The Best Places to Live in New York
New York City
Manhattan, one of the five boroughs that make up NYC, embodies the iconic image of the city that we all immediately picture, with world-famous landmarks like Times Square and Central Park. It’s fast paced, densely packed, and immensely exciting. Your options for living in Manhattan include the exclusive Upper East Side, arty Greenwich Village, family-friendly Upper West Side, and a whole lot more.
Brooklyn offers a diverse and vibrant collection of communities. Whether your ideal spot is the historic brownstones of Brooklyn Heights, energetic and hip Williamsburg, or family-friendly Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn will have a neighborhood for you.
Queens is ideal for people who want access to Manhattan's excitement but with a more suburban lifestyle. Check out the verdant Forest Hills neighborhood, eclectic and diverse Jackson Heights, and the waterfront views of Bayside.
The Bronx is home to some of New York’s best-known landmarks, including Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo. Neighborhoods like Riverdale, Bedford Park, and Woodlawn offer family-friendly and relatively affordable housing.
Staten Island is the least densely populated borough in NYC; maybe that’s why it’s known for its profusion of greenspace and parks. Popular Staten Island neighborhoods include tony Todt Hill, multi-culti New Dorp, and the family-friendly and safe Great Kills.
NYC Suburbs
Westchester County is located in the scenic Hudson Valley, just north of New York City. It might be outside the city, but it’s not all pure suburbia; the county’s key cities (Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and White Plains) rank as the 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 11th most populous cities in New York State, respectively. If you want access to NYC’s attractions and a quieter way of life, this county is it.
Nassau County is nestled on Long Island and shares a border with Queens. Its top neighborhoods include the populous Hempstead, tree-lined and historic Garden City, and tiny but elegant Great Neck.
Upstate New York
New York City occupies less than 10 percent of New York’s land area, so don’t rule out the rest of the state! Collectively referred to as “Upstate New York,” here are some tidbits about these regions:
Hudson Valley and the Catskills offer a great blend of nature and city life. While the area itself is scenic and mostly rural, it offers great connectivity to New York City via the commuter railroad. It also has an active art and food scene as well as plenty of outdoor recreation.
Albany is the state capital, so it’s well-served by an airport and a daily train service to NYC via Amtrak. Historic and beautiful, Albany is a great alternative to the bustle of New York City.
Finger Lakes is known for two things: gorgeous scenery and very drinkable wine with a lot of vineyards to explore. This largely rural area still has lots of orchards and fields, and farmers markets galore. This relaxed region is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
Northern New York and the Adirondacks typify what most people think of as Upstate New York, offering cool summers, crisp autumns and springs, and snowy winters. Saratoga Springs captures much of the glamor of turn-of-the-century vacationing with a rich history as a former Gilded Age retreat, renowned horse racing culture, natural mineral springs, and a thriving arts scene based around the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Western New York includes cities as different as Buffalo and Chautauqua and landscapes as opposite as placid farmland and roaring Niagara Falls. It offers a more down-to-earth vibe, with hearty food and a diverse range of businesses.
How to Prepare for Moving to New York
Visit New York
If you’re not pressed for time, explore the area of New York you plan on moving to. If possible, visit in winter and summer so you can plan ahead for the different seasons. It’s a great time to make a short list of the neighborhoods and schools that appeal the most to you and your wallet.
Do Your Research
Once you have a city or neighborhood in mind, learn about the cost of living in that area and what your commute will be like (if you have one). Check out the facilities for healthcare, education, and entertainment, and don’t forget to research local parking regulations, especially in NYC. WIll you need a moving permit for moving day? Be prepared for NYC’s unique income tax and real estate transfer taxes. Additionally, expect to pay hefty deposits plus broker’s or finder’s fees that can add up to 15% of your annual rent in competitive markets.
Planning a cross-country move can be overwhelming, so it's helpful to break it down into manageable steps. For a comprehensive approach to your relocation, including timeline planning and logistical considerations, check out our comprehensive long-distance moving checklist. This guide breaks down all the important details you’ll need to consider when making such a big move.
Give Yourself a Generous Timeline — and a Generous Budget
When it comes to budgeting, this isn’t the time to go bare bones. In addition to the actual costs of your move, try to have enough savings to cover living expenses for a few months — even if you’re starting a job straight after your move. And build in a contingency plan with extra cash and time to deal with unexpected obstacles.
A long-distance, multi-state move such as moving from Los Angeles to New York is more complicated than swapping neighborhoods in your home city. You might find it helpful to plot out larger goals like finding housing and coordinating the actual move — and then break them down into smaller subgoals such as researching neighborhoods and securing a moving company.
Speaking of finding a moving solution, for a cross-country move of such a distance, you'll want to consider hiring professional movers that offer full service moving; they have the experience to make your cross-country move as low-stress as possible.
The Cost of Moving from California to New York
The cost of a cross-country move like this depends on how you’re doing the move. If you’re comfortable packing up your stuff and being your own moving crew, it will be less expensive than turning everything over to a full-service moving company. But don’t forget to factor in the time it will take you to go through each room, organize items you plan to keep and those you don’t plan to keep, and pack each item, including specialty items and breakables. You’ll also have to acquire all the moving supplies, like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, plus you’ll need to pay for gas and lodgings along the way to the East Coast, not to mention potential vehicle transport fees.
Pro Tip: Pack an “essentials” box for your first day in New York so you have easy access to, yes, essential things while you’re getting settled. Such a box should include some weather-appropriate clothing, basic toiletries, toilet paper, bedding and pillows for a good first night’s sleep, a shower rod and curtains, cleaning supplies, and important documents like birth certificates and Social Security cards.
To help you estimate the costs of moving from California to New York in 2024/2025, here are some ballpark figures:
The average cost of moving from Los Angeles to New York City ranges from $1,600 (renting a DIY van for a 1-bedroom apartment) to over $16,000 for a full-service moving company and a large house. You can expect the move to take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.
The average cost of moving from San Francisco to New York City also ranges from $1,600 (DIY van, small apartment) to about $15,000 for a full-service move.
Common Questions About Moving to New York
Q: Is it cheaper to live in New York or California?
A: In a state-to-state comparison, New York is cheaper than California. California’s cost of living is about 38% higher than the US average; New York is about 26% higher than the national average. However, this shifts when looking at the bigger cities; New York City, for example, has a higher cost of living even than San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Q: Why do people move from California to New York?
A: Californians often move to New York for a more urban lifestyle or for a career change, or to be closer to family. Some people enjoy being close to the world-class arts and entertainment scene of NYC, outdoor activities such as hiking in the Adirondacks or exploring the Finger Lakes, or simply enjoying the four seasons.
Q: How much does it cost to move from California to New York?
A: The average cost of moving from California to New York ranges from about $2,404 to $6,862. Your actual cost will depend on:
The amount of belongs you’re packing up and moving
The time of year (the busy summer season tends to be more expensive)
Your level of service (e.g., DIY move, renting a van, hiring a full-service team, etc.)
The distance traveled
Q: Is it worth moving to NY?
A: Whether moving to New York is worth it depends on your personal tastes and goals. But New York does offer advantages such as exciting career opportunities in finance, media, fashion, and tech as well as its proximity to other major East Coast cities.
Need Help Moving from California to New York?
As a resident of California, you’re used to living in a state that has it all. Moving from California to New York provides an opportunity for a change of pace without having to give up that world-class access. But, since the two states are so far apart, moving to New York from California requires a bit more planning than your average move.
If the thought of hauling everything you own across the country ratchets up your anxiety, don’t panic. Hiring an experienced long-distance moving company like Colonial Van Lines can take the worry out of moving. We understand all the complexity and logistics involved in cross-country relocation, and we take care of it all — loading, transport, and unloading. If you want, we’ll even pack and unpack your boxes for you. Get a free moving quote to start planning for your move today.