Moving from Washington to California
In the Census Bureau's 2024 survey, about 27,000 people living in California had lived in Washington a year earlier. No other state drew more people from Washington. A 2-bedroom move from Seattle to Los Angeles, about 1,134 miles, usually costs $3,100–$5,600. 158 licensed movers are based in Washington.
Who makes this move
26,956
people moved from Washington to California (±4,931)
43,938
moved the other way, from California to Washington (±5,464)
- California drew about 13% of the roughly 204,000 people who left Washington for another state.
- More people moved from California to Washington than this way, by about 17,000.
- People aged 1 and over, not households. Margins of error at 90% confidence.
Where people who left Washington went
Most common moves out of Washington
Survey estimates: where two figures are closer than their margins of error, their order may not be real. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows: 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
What it costs, by home size
Seattle to Los Angeles, about 1,134 miles.
| Home | Typical weight | Usual cost | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio1,800 lb | 1,800 lb | $1,800–$3,200 | $2,200–$4,000 |
| 1 bedroom2,800 lb | 2,800 lb | $2,250–$4,100 | $2,800–$5,050 |
| 2 bedrooms5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | $3,100–$5,600 | $3,850–$6,950 |
| 3 bedrooms7,500 lb | 7,500 lb | $3,850–$7,000 | $4,800–$8,650 |
| 4 bedrooms10,000 lb | 10,000 lb | $4,500–$8,150 | $5,600–$10,150 |
| 5+ bedrooms13,000 lb | 13,000 lb | $5,200–$9,450 | $6,450–$11,700 |
A model, not a quote: weight and distance, adjusted for season, fitted to published 2026 cost tables. Packing, stairs and specialty items add to these. How we model costs.
Between the main cities
A 2-bedroom move, mid-month outside summer.
| Move | Miles | Usual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle to Los Angeles | 1,134 | $3,100–$5,600 |
| Seattle to San Francisco | 802 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Seattle to San Diego | 1,255 | $3,100–$5,600 |
| Spokane to Los Angeles | 1,111 | $3,100–$5,600 |
| Spokane to San Francisco | 860 | $2,600–$4,900 |
| Spokane to San Diego | 1,218 | $3,100–$5,600 |
Road miles, estimated from the straight line between the cities.
Licensed movers based in Washington
See all 158Each holds active federal carrier authority with cargo insurance on file. Tick up to three to get quotes.
Bremerton, WA · USDOT 684242
5 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 1997
Bremerton, WA · USDOT 2971742
0 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2017
Fife, WA · USDOT 1678342
2 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2007
Before you book
Questions about moving from Washington to California
How much does it cost to move from Washington to California?
In our model a 2-bedroom move from Seattle to Los Angeles, about 1,134 miles, usually costs $3,100–$5,600 mid-month outside summer; between the main cities on this page it runs from $2,600 to $5,600. A studio runs about $1,800–$3,200 and a 4-bedroom about $4,500–$8,150. Only a mover's written estimate is a price.
How many people move from Washington to California?
About 27,000 in a year. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates 26,956, with a margin of error of ±4,931. About 44,000 moved from California to Washington the same year. These count people, not households.
How far is it from Washington to California?
Between the main cities on this page, from about 802 to 1,255 miles by road; Seattle to Los Angeles is about 1,134. Distances are estimated from the straight line between the cities; a mover's estimate uses the actual route.
Does a mover need a federal license to move me from Washington to California?
Yes. The move crosses a state line, so the mover needs active interstate authority from the FMCSA under a USDOT number. Each mover listed here shows its authority and insurance status from FMCSA's files.
When is it cheapest to move from Washington to California?
Outside June to August, and away from the last days of a month. In our model a summer move costs about 24% more, and the end of a month about 9% more.
Get quotes for your move from Washington to California
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More moves from Washington
Movers in Washington and California. Every move between states and the major cities: moving routes.