Top-rated El Paso movers, moving costs to California, cost of living comparison, and what you need to know before your move.
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If you're moving from El Paso to California, you're looking at roughly 1,000 miles and a serious bump in living costs. I've reviewed the movers in El Paso who can handle this route, and I'll walk you through the actual numbers—both for the move itself and what your life will cost once you land in California.
Out of the movers in El Paso that handle interstate moves, here are the ones worth your attention for a California trip.
Address: 820 Kastrin St, El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: (915) 800-0473
License: 006724534
DOT #: 902281
Years in business: 26
75% of their reviews are positive. What stands out: customers repeatedly praise the crew for being fast, professional, and careful with belongings. They handle efficiency without cutting corners on politeness. The downside is real—some customers report items lost or broken, unexpected charges, or slow responses when things go wrong. Complaints also center on final costs exceeding quotes and billing confusion. For a team that excels at courtesy and speed, you need to lock in a detailed quote and get clarity on insurance up front to avoid sticker shock.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Credit card accepted; deposit required.
Address: 9601 Railroad Drive, El Paso, TX 79924
Phone: (915) 755-5530
License: 0000007143
DOT #: 2897746
Years in business: 110
Alternate names: Allied Van Lines, Coleman American Moving Services
70% of reviews lean positive, with frequent praise for professional crews, fast turnarounds, and careful handling. Customers often name specific movers for exceeding expectations. But 28% report serious issues—damage to property, late arrivals, hard-to-reach customer support, lost items, and difficulty resolving claims. A few mention unclear pricing or unexpected schedule changes. Coleman has the reputation for courtesy and speed, but the damage and delay complaints suggest reliability gaps on longer or complex moves.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
Address: 6500 Boeing Dr, Suite 400, El Paso, TX 79925
Phone: (915) 255-2116
License: 008901942c
DOT #: 2527384
Years in business: Established
97% of 242 reviews are positive. Customers rave about prompt, efficient service and courteous staff. Speed, careful handling, and strong communication throughout each step come up constantly. A small minority report poor packing practices leading to damage, unexpected charges, and billing issues. On this route, they consistently deliver speed and friendliness, though the occasional billing surprise keeps them just shy of the top tier.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
Here's what you can expect to pay for different moving options. All estimates below are based on a 1,019-mile move and compiled from verified quotes across the market.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,145 – $4,845 | $795 – $1,841 | $643 – $1,221 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,475 – $5,999 | $1,455 – $2,980 | $694 – $1,478 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,977 – $7,483 | $1,982 – $3,772 | $821 – $1,644 |
To estimate your move with greater precision, input your specific details into our calculator. These ranges shift with the season, fuel prices, and current demand.
If you're moving a one-bedroom apartment from El Paso to California, expect $1,145 to $4,845. For two or three bedrooms, budget $2,475 to $5,999. A four- or five-bedroom home will likely run $3,977 to $7,483.
Moving containers from El Paso to California cost $795 to $1,841 for a small move, $1,455 to $2,980 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,982 to $3,772 for a four-bedroom or larger home. You pack and unload; the company transports.
Truck rentals are usually the cheapest option, but you'll handle the driving and all the heavy lifting yourself. Expect $643–$1,221 for a studio or one-bedroom, $694–$1,478 for two to three bedrooms, and $821–$1,644 for four bedrooms or larger. These figures include fuel.
Move size directly affects your bill—more rooms and belongings mean a higher final price. Peak season (May through September) is when El Paso movers charge premium rates. DIY versus professional: doing it yourself costs less in cash but demands far more of your time and physical effort.
This is where the real sticker shock hits. California is not cheap.
| Metric | El Paso, TX | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,510 | $1,856 | +23% |
| Average Home Cost | $223,218 | $771,057 | +245% |
| Per Capita Income | $58,354 | $91,905 | +57% |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 | 134 | +63% |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 5.4% | +15% |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 13.3% | Major difference |
Rent runs about 23% higher in California, so adjust your housing budget now. Home prices are roughly 245% higher—a significant jump if you plan to buy. Incomes in California average 57% above El Paso, which can offset some costs but not all. The overall cost of living is about 63% higher, meaning groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses will sting. California's unemployment rate sits slightly higher, meaning more competition when job hunting. And state income tax is 13.3% in California versus zero in Texas—that's a real hit to take-home pay.
Here's how the two places compare across climate, politics, and safety.
| Factor | El Paso, TX | California |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,815 | 39,029,342 |
| Political Lean | Republican 56–42 | Democratic 59–41 |
| Summer High | 96°F | 87°F |
| Winter Low | 31°F | 59°F |
| Annual Rain | 10″ | 22″ |
| Annual Snow | 3″ | 7″ |
| Crime Index | 32.51 | 28.43 |
Politics: California leans Democratic; El Paso leans Republican. If politics shapes your community feel, this matters. Summers in California are noticeably cooler (87°F vs. 96°F), which means less heat stress, lower energy bills, and more outdoor activity. Winters are mild in California (59°F lows) compared to El Paso's frigid dips to 31°F—easier heating costs and lighter routines. Rainfall jumps from 10 inches to 22 inches annually, so pack rain gear and expect greener landscapes. Snow is comparable (3 inches vs. 7 inches), so winter driving won't feel radically different. Crime is slightly lower in California (28.43 vs. 32.51), offering a bit more peace of mind.
When relocating from El Paso to California, don't just pack and call movers. Handle these items first.
HOA & community rules. Check regulations before move-in to avoid conflicts.
Elevator reservation. If your destination building requires it, reserve the elevator in advance.
Truck parking permits. Some California cities require permits for large vehicles. Verify ahead of time.
State licensing. When contacting a moving company in California, confirm it holds a "T Number" from the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). This certification means the company has passed insurance, safety, financial stability, and criminal clearance checks. You can verify any license on the CAPUC's official site.
Moving permits. California doesn't require a moving permit, but check local parking rules before moving day.
Change of address. File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can coordinate your mail forwarding to your California address.
Moving insurance. Standard movers offer Released Value Protection at no cost—but it's minimal coverage. Liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV damaged in transit might only reimburse $15. For full-value protection, ask your mover about additional coverage or consider third-party insurance.
Moving checklist. Use our moving checklist to stay organized and catch what you might forget.
Most moves from El Paso to California take two to eight days, depending on the service and whether you're moving during peak summer season (expect delays). Ask your mover for a specific delivery timeline before you book.
Two movers in El Paso offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. If you need special crating, confirm it with your chosen company.
Use a company with a strong track record for professionalism and vehicle care. Learn more about auto transport from El Paso to California.
Economic opportunity and pleasant weather top the list. People leave El Paso because of hot summers and limited jobs.
No moving companies in El Paso currently accept cash. The industry prefers traceable payment methods with digital receipts. You'll typically put down a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Ask about card, ACH, or cashier's check options.
Ready to move? Compare quotes from movers in El Paso to see actual pricing for your specific situation. The difference between a cheap quote and a detailed, transparent one often comes down to asking the right questions upfront.
