Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 06 2026
Moving from Southern California to Northern California is not a small move. Although it's an intrastate move, it can still be considered a long distance move. You can travel up to 1040 miles, depending on which side of the North you are moving to. Hauling within a 100 miles distance is considered a local move, anything above that is a long distance relocation. Whether you're relocating from San Diego, Los Angeles, or another SoCal city, we’re equipped to support your transition north.
Three Movers: Moving Families and Businesses with Care and Expertise
If you are looking for a reliable, professional, and affordable long distance services for your move including businesses shifting, then Three Movers has the right services for you. We are not just local movers in California, we have the federal license to handle long distance moves as well.
Our goal is to assist you as much as you need during this process and make this new chapter of your life less stressful. We also provide helpful tips to ensure your relocation is smooth and stress-free from start to finish. We can help you move your apartment, office, or car as well as store your belongings for as long as you need. Our modern fleet of trucks is maintained to the highest standards to ensure safe and timely transport.
As a top rated company, our moving team of professional movers is experienced in helping families and businesses relocate. Our process is designed to be as stress-free as possible, and we employ only the most qualified professionals in the industry. We understand that hauling is a major life event, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service. We also understand that everyone's needs are different, so in the industry we offer a variety of relocation services to choose from. We are proud to be a part of our local community, and we believe in giving back wherever we can. We are always looking for ways to improve our business, and we work hard to maintain the highest standards of quality and professionalism. We believe that our clients' satisfaction is the key to our success, and we are committed to providing them with the best possible service. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable shifting company, then please give us a call. Many of our customers discover our services through referrals from friends who’ve had great experiences with us. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
Where to Live in Northern California: Affordable & Popular Areas
San Francisco Bay Area
The most populous area in NorCal are the San Francisco Bay Area (also known as Bay Area) which comprises San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland; the Greater Sacramento Area, and the Metropolitan Fresno. The entire NorCal itself is made up of 48 different counties.
If you are looking for some of the most affordable place to live in NorCal, you can consider places like Lafayette in Contra Costa County, Bayview, a suburb of San Francisco, Vallejo in Solana County, an area of choice for young professionals, and other places like Monte Sereno, Clovis, Folsom, Granite Bay, Arcata, Santa Rosa and others.
Comparing Housing, Weather, and Lifestyle in SoCal and NorCal
First is the tax revenue generated yearly from wages paid then population density. NorCal is less crowded even with its large cities. However, there are plenty of open spaces and remote areas.
One of the significant differences is weather. The weather is cooler and it tends to rain more frequently in NorCal so if you are used to a outdoor life, you may be limited in NorCal.
The south is known for it beaches while the north is known for its mountains, hills, and forested landscapes.
Some areas in NorCal are more expensive in terms of housing and taxes, especially the Bay Area which is host to silicon valley, a global center of technological innovation.
Residential or Commercial Move in Southern California? We Can Do It!
If you only have a few boxes, then you can very well load them in the back of your car and transport them yourself without the help of a moving company to your dream location. But, if you need to move your office, then you will probably need special equipment to disassemble, load, and transport your furniture, supplies, and appliances.
Residential moves can be just as complicated too. We are very aware that no two moves are alike. That's why we personalize our cheap moving services to meet the exact needs of our customers. Our experienced packers take extra care with every item, whether you're moving across town or across the state. Whether you need to pack and unpack your entire home, store your valuables for a few weeks or transport your car to the other side of the state, we can assist you.
Here's a look at our list of services:
- Full-service packing
- Relocating supplies and packing materials
- Storage solutions
- Auto transport
- Packing and crating
- Protection against damage for all the items our movers handle
- Furniture assembly/disassembly
- Special items shipping and delivery, such as pianos or antiques.
- Office moving
Do You Need Any Special Moving Services with Enhanced Protection?
Transportation to storage facilities
Not two moves are created equal. If you have some specific requirements or need additional services for your move, then you should discuss them with our team beforehand. Our services providers and customer support representatives will do their best and try to accommodate all your needs.
Here's a look at a few items that you may require as extra services options for your move:
- Full-service moving: If you want the company to take care of every aspect of your move, from packing, loading to transporting your belongings and unloading and unpacking them, then we can help. One of the benefits of this is it relieves you of all the stress associated with moving so you can focus on other things.
- Small moves: If you don't have that many items but still need to hire a company, then you should know that a small move has different requirements. We can assist you with that too.
- Auto Transport: Not all companies offer auto transport services, companies employ different services, same way children of same age grows differently, so make sure to double-check before you choose one.
- Storage: Timing all the variables of a move is not easy. At Three Movers, we offer storage solutions if you need to store your items for a while until you can get settled in your new home.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Southern to Northern California?
The average moving cost from SoCal to NorCal is difficult to fix, because it depends on your origin location in SoCal and your new home in NorCal. Other factors that also determine costs are the size of your home, volume, weight, and type of items, time of the year you are hauling, and the additional service that your move require. In terms of labor cost, the average labor cost movers will charge for South California and NorCal is $443. We’re transparent about our pricing and any applicable fees so there are no surprises later in your move.
Key Statistics on Relocation Trends in California
- Over 30,000 families relocate every year.
- Approximately 85% of people haling choose professional movers for their relocation.
- The average distance traveled during a move is 600 miles.
- Around 95% of households that make the move experience a decrease in average annual temperature.
- The cost of shifting typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the size of the move and additional services required.
Basic Facts to Help You Plan Your Move
- Moving services help individuals and families relocate their belongings.
- These movers offer professional packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking services.
- Some moving companies offer specialized services for fragile items, such as artwork or musical instruments.
- The cost of hiring movers for this particular move can vary based on factors like distance, volume of items, and additional services requested.
- It is advisable to do some research and obtain quotes from different moving companies to find the best option that suits your needs and budget.
Get a Free Quote Now
If you are looking for a moving company that will do a great job and offers a wide range of services at competitive rates, you can find a trusted ally in Three Movers. We have an extensive portfolio of happy customers in the industry statistics and we offer flat rate pricing.
Get a free quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Adding a vehicle typically increases the total by $800–$1,500 depending on car size, running condition, and transport type. Auto shipping is billed separately from household goods and may involve a carrier handoff. Timing can shift if the car and home shipment move on different schedules. Most Southern to Northern California movers coordinate door-to-door or terminal delivery within 2–5 days. Learn more about options through our car moving services.
Most intrastate moves range from $1,200–$3,500. Studios and one-bedroom moves with 2–3 movers cost less, while 3–5 bedroom homes with packing and stairs cost more. Pricing reflects mileage (300–500 miles), labor hours, truck size, fuel, and access conditions. This route is regulated as intrastate, not local. For pricing structure details, see our long distance moving service.
Transit typically takes 1–3 days, with same-week delivery for most loads. Smaller shipments may be consolidated, extending delivery to 3–5 days. Timing depends on move size, loading time, traffic through Los Angeles and Bay Area corridors, and weather over mountain passes. Early morning loading helps avoid congestion on I-5 and Highway 99 during peak hours.
A Southern to Northern California relocation is classified as intrastate, even though it covers hundreds of miles. These moves follow California Public Utilities Commission rules, not FMCSA interstate regulations. Rates are typically based on hourly labor plus mileage, not weight alone. Understanding this distinction helps compare quotes accurately from licensed California moving companies.
The biggest cost drivers are home size, number of movers, packing services, stairs or elevators, long carry distances, and specialty items like pianos or safes. Urban access limits in Los Angeles and San Francisco can add labor time. Summer demand and end-of-month scheduling also raise rates for moving companies California-wide.
Yes. Professional crews regularly manage freight elevator reservations, COI requirements, parking permits, and restricted loading windows common in Southern California apartments and Northern California condos. Providing building rules in advance prevents delays and extra labor charges. This is standard practice for experienced interstate moving service teams operating across California.
