Moving from California to Nevada

While California may have picturesque coastlines and great weather year-round, it's not the most affordable place to live. Many individuals and families struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living in California and are choosing to settle down in nearby states like Nevada. 

Nevada is a relatively affordable state with many affordable family suburbs, outdoor attractions, and more. If you're planning a move from California to Nevada, there are a few things you'll need to know before you relocate. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need about the moving process and the benefits of this relocation. Let's dive in.

How to move from California to Nevada

Even though most cities in California are less than 500 miles away from Nevada, there's a ton you'll need to consider before moving to a new state. To help you get started, here's what you'll need to do before you move:

• Set a Budget: Moving can get expensive! To ensure the costs don't break the bank, you'll want to set a budget before you start planning. This budget should include moving costs and an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. 
• Start Planning Early: Give yourself at least two to three months to plan, pack and prepare for your move from California to Nevada. 
• Research: You'll want to research the community, suburb and city you plan to move to to ensure it's a good fit for you and your family.
• Downsize: Downsizing can help you save on the cost of your move. It's also a great way to declutter and get rid of items you no longer use. 
• Find a Moving Company: A moving company can help you save on the cost of your move and help you achieve a hassle-free relocation. We recommend comparing quotes between 2-3 companies to find the best price. 

Benefits of Moving to Nevada from California

Nevada is a beautiful desert state home to over 3 million people. From the desert landscapes and the affordable housing, here's what you can look forward to when moving from California to Nevada:

Lower Cost of Living

According to My Life Elsewhere, Nevada is around 12% cheaper than California. Once you move, you can look forward to paying less for clothing, housing and restaurants. Nevada residents also don't have any state income tax and can look forward to a property tax that's significantly lower than the national average. 

Outdoor Recreational Activities 

While you'll no longer be a quick drive away from the coastline, you'll still be close to nature in Nevada. No matter where you live, you can look forward to living close to some of the best hiking trails, national parks and recreational areas. There are also many places to go boating, skiing, or hiking. Some popular options to add to your bucket list include:

• Lake Tahoe
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Red Rock Canyon
• Great Basin National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Cathedral Gorge State Park
• Echo Canyon State Park

Higher Education Opportunities 

Nevada is home to a few of the best colleges in the nation. University of Nevada, Reno is a top-rated public school that is relatively affordable for in-state residents. If you have children in high school, you can set them up for success and an excellent college education after graduating. Some of the best colleges worth exploring in the area include:

• University of Nevada, Reno
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Nevada State University

Warm Desert Climate 

Nevada is known for its warm desert climate. Summers are scorching hot and can reach around 100-110 degrees, a time when locals retreat to Lake Tahoe or Carson River to cool off and enjoy time in the water. 

Once the fall rolls around, you can look forward to a pleasant 60-70 degrees. Winters are also relatively mild, but if you're looking for snow, it's a quick drive away from cities like Reno and Carson City. 

Professional Sport Teams

Do you love spending Sundays watching football? Want to root for your favorite hockey teams on the weekdays? Nevada residents love to, too! Nevada is home to many popular professional sports teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights. If you like baseball, the Oakland A’s are also moving to Las Vegas in the coming years.

Best Cities to Live in Nevada

Before you make the move from California to Nevada, you'll want to take some time to explore the different cities. Each city is different and unique in its own way. Some of the most popular places to consider moving to include:

• Las Vegas: While Las Vegas is mainly known for its entertainment and nightlife, it also has affordable neighborhoods and top-rated public schools. If you're feeling homesick for California, Las Vegas and the surrounding communities are also a short three-hour drive to southern California.
• Reno: Reno has everything you could need: nature, culture, and more. It's also relatively affordable and a quick drive to outdoor attractions like Lake Tahoe.
• Carson City: This Nevada city is perfect for outdoor lovers. There are many different biking and hiking trails in and near the city. Residents can also look forward to various outdoor activities, including biking, skiing, kayaking and more.
• Henderson: A smaller city located 15 minutes outside of Las Vegas. Henderson is a great place to live if you want to live near a major city but prefer to live in a family-friendly suburb. 
• Sparks: Sparks is a friendly suburb located near Reno. It's known for its affordable cost of living, vibrant downtown area and great public schools.

Before you move, take some time to compare the cost of living, job opportunities, and cost of housing in each Nevada city. Doing so will ensure you find a place to live that aligns with your budget and needs. 

Cost of Moving from California to Nevada

As you prepare to move from California to Nevada, you are probably concerned about the cost of your move. Long-distance moves can be expensive, so it’s important to choose a moving company that offers excellent service at an affordable price. North American is proud to offer superior service and competitive pricing. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Nevada with North American Van Lines is $4,800.

The actual price will be dependent on other variables such as the number of items being moved, the exact distance of the move, and any additional moving services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand or calling our customer service representatives.

You'll want to request a quote from a few moving companies for the most accurate pricing for your upcoming relocation. This way, you can compare the costs and find a company that aligns with your needs and budget.

Contact North American Van Lines Today

Moving from California to Nevada is an exciting adventure. Whether you're settling down in Las Vegas, Reno or Carson City, there's a ton you and your family can look forward to. 

To ensure you're prepared to go the distance, consider enlisting the help of our professional movers. For over 90 years, we've been helping families move to and from Nevada. Our team is trained, certified and insured. We're here to help you ensure a hassle-free move.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote to get started!