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State-to-State Guide

Moving from California to Virginia

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your California to Virginia move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving California

Population39.5M
State Income Tax1%-13.3%
Avg Home Price$785,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.76%
DESTINATION

Moving to Virginia

Population8.6M
State Income Tax2%-5.75%
Avg Home Price$380,000
Avg Rent$1,500/mo
Property Tax Rate0.82%

Why Are People Moving from California to Virginia?

The migration corridor between California and Virginia is a popular interstate move. California has been experiencing net outflow while Virginia continues to attract new residents.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Virginia is significantly lower than California, which is a major draw for relocating families. The average home price in Virginia is $405,000 less than California, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Virginia average 35°F, compared to 55°F in California.

Jobs & Industry: Virginia's key industries include Federal Government, Defense, Technology, which attract professionals from California's Technology and Entertainment sectors.

Popular City-to-City Routes

2966 mi
53.9h drive
Los Angeles, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-20 East
3078 mi
56h drive
Los Angeles, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-20 East
2929 mi
53.3h drive
San Diego, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-20 East
3037 mi
55.2h drive
San Diego, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-20 East
3140 mi
57.1h drive
San Jose, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-40 East
3256 mi
59.2h drive
San Jose, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-40 East
3167 mi
57.6h drive
San Francisco, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-40 East
3284 mi
59.7h drive
San Francisco, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-40 East
3007 mi
54.7h drive
Fresno, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-40 East
3123 mi
56.8h drive
Fresno, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-40 East
3087 mi
56.1h drive
Sacramento, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-40 East
3205 mi
58.3h drive
Sacramento, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-40 East
2986 mi
54.3h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-40 East
3100 mi
56.4h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-40 East
2949 mi
53.6h drive
Anaheim, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-20 East
3060 mi
55.6h drive
Anaheim, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-20 East
2948 mi
53.6h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-20 East
3059 mi
55.6h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-20 East
2971 mi
54h drive
Long Beach, CA
Richmond, VA
via I-20 East
3082 mi
56h drive
Long Beach, CA
Virginia Beach, VA
via I-20 East

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 3072 miles between California and Virginia:

Studio / 1 BR
$2,336
3–4 BR Home
$5,686

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

CaliforniaVirginia Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Virginia driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Virginia within 30 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to Virginia after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

Virginia vehicle inspection requirement: Required annually.

Things to Know About Virginia

  • Many residents work for the federal government or defense contractors
  • Annual vehicle safety inspections are required
  • Personal property tax on vehicles is assessed by locality

What's Different: California vs Virginia

Taxes

California Income Tax:1%-13.3%
Virginia Income Tax:2%-5.75%
California Property Tax:0.76%
Virginia Property Tax:0.82%

Weather

California Summer Avg:85°F
Virginia Summer Avg:86°F
California Winter Avg:55°F
Virginia Winter Avg:35°F

Cost of Living

California COL Index:150
Virginia COL Index:107
California Avg Home Price:$785,000
Virginia Avg Home Price:$380,000
California Avg Rent:$2,200/mo
Virginia Avg Rent:$1,500/mo

Ready to make the move to Virginia?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between California and Virginia.