Moving from Canada To California

Are you ready to trade your snowshoes in for flip-flops? Are you tired of the city life of Toronto, and want to settle down somewhere near the coast of California? There are many reasons why individuals, families and corporations move from Canada to California. From booming job markets to year-round pleasant weather, California has a lot to offer families and working professionals looking to relocate. But before you can take on an international move, there are a few things you'll need to know before moving to California.

We put together this guide to compare the costs, climate, and cities in the area, so you can plan accordingly. Here's what to know before moving to California.

What’s the Price of Relocation? Estimating Your Move to California

The average cost of an international move from Canada to California can range from $6,000 to $15,000 or more. Pricing will fluctuate depending on the size of your home and the number of items you plan to bring. The cost will also vary depending on whether you hire a moving company or do it yourself. While professional movers may come with more upfront expenses, the estimate will include all necessary moving costs. If you want to save on your move from Canada to California, you'll want to consider:

Downsizing before you relocate
Compare quotes from different moving companies to find the best price
If you're moving temporarily, leave some of your belongings in a storage unit
Relocate during the off-season, between September and April
Move on a weekday instead of a weekend

At North American Van Lines, we develop custom moving plans for our clients. We'll work with you to determine which moving services you need and help you finalize a package that aligns with your budget and needs. We also offer a free cost estimate calculator, which you can use to determine your costs before you start planning.

What’s the Cost of Living in California

It's no secret that the cost of living in Canada vs. California is significantly cheaper in some areas. California is the third most expensive state in the United States. You can expect to pay more for utilities, groceries and everyday necessities. Healthcare is also not free in the United States. So, you'll need to budget for healthcare and insurance expenses if you don't have employer healthcare. California doesn't have the best public transportation, so you'll also need a vehicle to commute to work, get groceries, and explore the area.

The housing market is competitive, and renting is typically the best option in most major cities. According to Zillow, the average cost of a home in California is $775,058, while the average rent is $2,819. These costs will fluctuate throughout the state, depending on where you decide to settle down. To ensure you can afford the lifestyle, thoroughly research the cities and neighborhoods you plan to move to.

Popular Cities to Move to in California

From the diverse landscapes of Northern California to the pristine beaches of Southern California, there are tons of cities to settle down in once you move to the West Coast. Here's a look at the five most popular cities:

Los Angeles: Los Angeles has something for everyone. There are over 88 different cities in Los Angeles County. Whether you want to live downtown or by the beach, there's a place for you and your next adventure.
Santa Barbara: If you're looking to enjoy a slower pace of life, consider the sleepy community of Santa Barbara. This city is ideal for retirees wanting to settle down by the beach or college students attending UC Santa Barbara.
San Diego: You can't beat the weather in San Diego! When you move to this California city, you can look forward to pristine beaches, a great downtown nightlife and even better food. Whether you move to near La Jolla, Gaslamp or North Park, you'll never grow bored, and there will always be something to explore.
San Francisco: If you're looking to kickstart your career, San Francisco is a hub for technology. There are countless startups and companies, making it a great place for recent college graduates or working professionals.
Palo Alto: If you're looking to settle down in a suburb you can commute to the city from, consider Palo Alto. Palo Alto is a quick 20-minute drive to San Jose and a 35-minute drive to San Francisco.

Climate Differences Between Canada and California

The climate in Canada vs. California is notably different. Most of Canada experiences harsh winters and warm, humid summers. California has a mild climate. The winters are wet, and the summers are dry. Since the climate is milder and most parts don't experience harsh snowfall, you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Hiking, camping and walks near the beach can typically be enjoyed year-round, which is part of the appeal of relocating to the West Coast. If you start to miss the snow, you can take a trip up to Big Bear or Lake Tahoe to enjoy some winter activities.

What Is California Known For?

What makes California such a popular destination is its breathtaking beauty and the outdoor attractions. No matter your hobbies or interests, there are tons to explore throughout the state, so you'll never get bored once you make the move.

California is home to nine of the most popular national parks in the country. From the deserts of Death Valley and Joshua Tree to the forests of Yosemite and the Redwoods, there's breathtaking beauty at every corner.

If you enjoy beaches and city life more, there are coastal towns and beachside attractions across the Pacific Coastline. For a weekend getaway, you can take a road trip down Highway 1, exploring Big Sur and the hidden beaches. At the end of the day, you can spend a night in Morro Bay and admire Morro Rock.

Once you're done moving to California, you can live like a tourist every day.

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

If you're moving from Canada to California, North American Van Lines is here to help. Our team is trained to handle the unique challenges of international relocations. We'll help you safely and efficiently transport your items across the border and ensure you have the necessary paperwork for the relocation. We're also a reliable source for storage unit rentals, fragile-only packing services and custom wooden crates.

When you work with us, you can enjoy a stress-free experience from start to finish. Our movers are trustworthy and reliable. No matter where you're moving to or from or the size of your next move, we're dedicated to providing a 5-star experience.