Each year, more than 31,000 New York residents choose to move to California, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its majestic landscapes, bustling economy, and Instagram-worthy avocado toast, California is quite the contender — even when stacked against the iconic Empire State.
But let’s not forget — nearly 3,000 miles marks the distance between New York and the Golden State, making moving cross country no small feat. But with all the great things California has to offer, it’s easy to see why so many people make the move. After all, there’s no need to give up the art, culture, and leisure that makes New York so special — California brings you all that along with a bonus of extra sunshine.
Keep reading to learn more about all the great things California has to offer, as well as how to plan for the move when it comes time to trade New York’s skyline for California’s sunsets.
Why Make the Move from New York to California?
Many people choose to move to California to experience what could be called a lifestyle change. Anyone who lives in New York knows the state lives up to its reputation for being vibrant, fast-paced, and culturally rich.
In contrast, California is known to be more laid-back and progressive. But that’s not all that attracts New Yorkers to the West Coast. The weather plays a big factor, with warmer temperatures year-round.
Average daily winter temperatures seldom dip below 50℉ in California, even in northern parts of the state. California also boasts a diverse population, with people from all demographics adding to the unique culture of the state.
A comfortable climate
For New Yorkers accustomed to cold winters, the milder climate of California is a big draw. Southern California is often compared to the Mediterranean, thanks to long, dry summers and mild, slightly wet winters, depending on one’s proximity to the coast.
Average rainfall for California is just 22 inches, mostly in the winter months. That’s compared to the average 40 inches of rain New York gets each year. Less rain means more sunshine — the average number of sunny days in California is 258, making it the fifth sunniest state in the United States.
A booming job market
From Silicon Valley to Hollywood, some of the world’s biggest corporations call California home. On the tech front, companies including Meta, Adobe, Google, and Cisco present ample opportunity for employment. And on the entertainment side, Walt Disney Studios, NBC Universal, Warner Brothers, and Universal Pictures are just a few companies taking advantage of the talent California attracts.
One reason businesses flock to California is its diverse workforce. Over 19 million people collectively contribute to what is ranked as the fifth largest economy in the world. From the technology sector to entertainment, service industries and retail, employers in California pay good salaries, and they also complement people’s lifestyles with great benefits.
The perfect setting for an active lifestyle
Whether you love to bike, hike, and play golf or tennis, the state’s diverse climate and abundance of national parks, mountains, beachfronts, and deserts offer never-ending opportunities for adventure.
You could find yourself surfing in the Pacific Ocean in the summer and skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the winter — all within a day’s drive.
Quality education
Like New York, the Golden State offers a diverse range of educational options from pre-K through grade 12. Whether you’re looking for a public school, a charter school, or a homeschooling network, you’ll find all styles and types of education to choose from.
Public or private, the quality of education is also top-notch. California ranks eighth in the nation as far as quality public schools. And not only does the state boast the most private schools in the United States (over 3,000), California also has some of the best in the country, including the prestigious Harker School in San Jose, where the next generation of tech innovators is cultivated in the heart of Silicon Valley, and entertainment industry–adjacent Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City, the alma mater of celebs like Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllanhaal.
California has long prided itself on its dedication to higher education, boasting private universities such as the world-renown Stanford University; Pepperdine University, known for its stunning coastal views and strong business and law programs; and the University of Southern California, a powerhouse in business, cinema, and the arts.
Not to mention, the University of California (UC) system includes prestigious schools like UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. Sixteen of the state’s universities rank in the top 100 of the U.S. News National Universities.
New York vs. California: What to Expect
For two states on opposite coasts, New York and California have actually quite a bit in common. For example, both are strikingly similar in relation to housing costs and employment opportunities. But there are plenty of differences as well. It’s important to take these into consideration as you make preparations for moving from New York to California.
Getting around
Transportation is often a top concern for New Yorkers relocating to California. You might be wondering about how reliable the public transportation system is and whether you need to have a car, especially since car ownership in New York City at 45% falls well below the national average of 92%.
While California’s metro areas have ample public transportation options, the transportation system is complex and sprawling, with many roads and freeways connecting cities and suburbs together. Having a car when you relocate from New York to California will be important to get to work, do daily tasks, and easily access the larger community and region.
You should also allow plenty of time to get to work, especially in larger cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, where you can plan for a commute of around 30 minutes each way. Fortunately, the average commuting time in California (29.2 minutes) is shorter than the average commuting time in New York (33.2 minutes), so you won’t be on the road as long as you think.
Adjusting for cost of living
Homeowners insurance
While the daily weather in California is a plus to relocating, you should also consider the potential for earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding.
Homeowner’s policies generally do not cover catastrophic events related to earthquakes and flooding, so plan on getting separate policies to protect your home against these perils. Coverage from wildfires is included on many policies; however, there are limitations depending on whether your home is in a high-risk area.
Even with greater natural disasters affecting rates in California, home insurance coverage between the states is similar in price. The average policy in California is $1,480 annually while the average policy in New York is around $1,735 annually.
Income taxes
Both New York and California have some of the highest income taxes in the United States, but they vary in their taxation approaches. California uses a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income. New York also has a progressive system, but its rates range from 4% to 10.9%.
For property taxes, California offers relief through Proposition 13, which caps property tax increases at 1% of assessed value with a 2% maximum annual increase. This provides homeowners with predictable tax bills. In contrast, New York’s property tax rates are generally higher, especially in suburban areas, and are based on full market value.
Healthcare costs
Whether you have private insurance or your coverage is taken care of by your employers, insurance premiums are a big factor in household budgets. California ranks as one of the top 10 states for affordable healthcare.
Tips for Moving from New York to California
Unlike a move across town, moving your belongings from New York to California takes a little more planning than asking a friend to bring their truck over on a Saturday. Professional long-distance movers can help ensure that your big move will go smoothly and without delays or damage to your belongings.
Here are some tips for hiring the best cross-country movers when relocating from New York to California:
Use a company that’s licensed
To begin, check to make sure that the moving services you’re considering are properly licensed. A service should have their DOT number available, but you can also check the Licensing & Insurance Carrier Search tool from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As far as insurance coverage, verify that your moving company has adequate coverage by looking them up on FMCSA’s Protect Your Move database.
Look for service options to fit your needs
The cross country movers you choose when moving from New York to California should be able offer a variety of professional moving services, giving you more peace of mind as you prepare to move. Some of these include:
Specialty item handling (pianos, antiques, collectibles)
Automobile moving
Packing materials
Full-service packing and unpacking
Storage services
Make sure the movers have strong communication skills
Look for a moving company that offers real-time tracking and regular communication throughout your move. This ensures you can monitor your belongings during the cross-country journey and stay updated on any delays or changes in the moving schedule when you’re moving to California. Checking out online reviews can give you an idea of how well a moving company communicates with customers.
Shop around
Professional movers vary widely in cost, and it pays to do some research to compare. Most companies set rates depending on the weight of your belongings and whether you’re hiring the packing or doing it yourself.
If you’re looking for a deal, keep in mind that the adage “You get what you pay for” is especially true in the moving space. If you find a price that’s way lower than the others, be cautious — it could be a sign of hidden fees, subpar service, or a moving broker who outsources the work to less reliable companies.
California’s Most Popular Cities to Move To
It’s not surprising that when moving from New York to California, many people migrate to cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. An abundance of jobs, housing, and education options makes them attractive places for relocating.
Here are some of the top cities New Yorkers are moving to and what you should know about them:
Moving from New York to Los Angeles
As the largest city in California, Los Angeles is a popular place for people moving from New York. The job market is robust, wages are high, and cultural opportunities abound, making for a unique urban adventure.
- City highlights: Los Angeles offers stunning landscapes, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east.
- Housing: The average home price in Los Angeles is $900,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is $2,695 per month.
- Popular neighborhoods: Silver Lake (trendy), Santa Monica (coastal gem), Brentwood (family-friendly).
Moving from New York to San Francisco
- City highlights: Year-round mild weather, charming Victorian architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and access to stunning natural beauty attract people to San Francisco.
- Housing: The median home price in San Francisco is around $1.6 million for single-family homes, and for condos it’s a little lower at $1.1 million. The average monthly rent for an apartment in San Francisco is around $3,335.
- Popular neighborhoods: Noe Valley (community feel), Bernal Heights (urban and suburban), Pacific Heights (upscale living).
Moving from New York to San Diego
Sunny weather, a perfect blend of beaches, and many outdoor adventure possibilities make San Diego a southern gem.
- City highlights: Enjoy a year-round mild climate, diverse cuisine, and a thriving arts scene.
- Housing: The average cost of a home in San Diego is approximately $1 million. Average monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,700 per month.
- Popular neighborhoods: North Park (trendy), Coronado (small-town feel), La Jolla (coastal charm).
Moving from New York to California: FAQs
Is it better to live in California or New York?
With cost of living and wages similar in both California and New York, choosing to live in one place or the other largely depends on your preferences regarding climate and place.
If you like the ocean and the outdoors, living in California provides the opportunity to enjoy sunny weather and beach access all year long. On the other hand, if you like social culture, diverse dining experiences, and a fast pace, New York might be more appealing.
Why do people move from New York to California?
People move from New York to California for many reasons. A thriving job market means many people move for career changes. California also offers diverse landscapes, from stunning beaches to picturesque mountains. Overall, hundreds of thousands of Americans relocate each year to experience California's vibrant culture, unmatched weather, and laid-back lifestyle.
Get Moving to California
Moving from New York to California Moving from New York to California is more than just a change of scenery — it's a whole new lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing a dream job or want to settle in a spot where you can surf in the morning and hit the mountains in the afternoon, California has a lot to offer New Yorkers.
That being said, moving across the country is a big undertaking. Hiring full-service, professional movers like Colonial Van Lines can make your move a lot less stressful by taking care of all the details — from packing and loading to driving and unloading. Get a free quote today!