Moving from California to Wyoming

Moving from California to Wyoming

California is known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes and year-round perfect weather, which is why it's a popular tourist destination. However, if you currently live in California, you may find that the rising cost of living is challenging to keep up with. 

So, many individuals and families are waving goodbye to California to settle down in states like Wyoming. There are many benefits to moving to any of the cities or small towns in Wyoming. Not only will you be surrounded by nature and diverse wildlife, but you can also enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle and be part of a close-knit community. 

Currently planning a big move east? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before you start planning your move from California to Wyoming!

Mountains in Wyoming

How to Move from California to Wyoming

Depending on where you're moving to or from, Wyoming is roughly 1,179 miles away from California. This makes moving from California to Wyoming a long-distance move. Long-distance moves can be challenging and costly. Here are some tips to help you prepare to go the distance from California to Wyoming:

  • Have a set budget for moving expenses 
  • Plan for unexpected emergencies
  • Start planning two to three months in advance 
  • Gather quotes from different long-distance moving companies
  • Use a moving checklist or packing guides to stay organized 
  • Have a plan for your vehicles, motorcycles, or boats


At North American Van Lines, we offer a wide range of free moving resources online. These tips, tools, and guides can help you plan accordingly for your move from California to Wyoming. 

Benefits of Moving from California to Wyoming

From the breathtaking landscapes and national parks to the quaint neighborhoods and small towns with character - Wyoming is a great place to consider relocating to. There's something for every individual or family that loves the outdoors and wants a slower-paced lifestyle.

Here are a few of the advantages of relocating from California to Wyoming that you can look forward to:

Low Cost of Living

According to My Life Elsewhere, Wyoming is 12.9% cheaper than California. You can expect to pay significantly less for groceries, transportation, restaurants, and housing. The cost of buying a home is also less in most Wyoming cities. Once you relocate, you'll have more money to spend on travel, entertainment and other essentials. 

Tax Advantages

If you want to pay less taxes and have more money in your pocket, Wyoming is the state for you. Wyoming was ranked the lowest in taxes by state. Individuals can look forward to no individual sales tax, no corporate tax, no estate taxes and a relatively low 4% sales tax. The average person in Wyoming only needs to pay around 5.44% in sales and local taxes, which is significantly less than California's 7.25%.

Outdoor Recreation

If you're an outdoor lover, hiker, or nature enthusiast, you'll never grow bored of living in Wyoming. There are seven national parks throughout the state, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

During the winter, residents can look forward to snowboarding and skiing at one of the eight ski resorts in Jacksonhole. From the early months of spring to fall, you can look forward to outdoor recreation activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking and bike riding.

Smaller Population & Less Traffic

Wyoming is a significantly smaller state than California, which means less traffic, open roads, and fewer crowds at your favorite restaurants. You also don't have to worry about excessive traffic during your work commute in big cities like Cheyenne and Casper. The best part is you can still look forward to that small-town atmosphere even in the bigger cities.

Strong Job Market in Key Industries

Wyoming has a strong and growing job market. There are many job opportunities in construction, mining and engineering. In the bigger cities, there are also many great jobs in education, healthcare and tourism. 

Most Popular Cities to Live in Wyoming

The culture and atmosphere of Wyoming are much different from those of California. When preparing for your move, you'll want to consider the culture, housing and job opportunities in the city you settle in. Here are a few of the most popular cities to continue moving to:

  • Cheyenne: Known as the largest city in Wyoming, Cheyenne has tons to offer families and working professionals who want to kickstart their careers in manufacturing or agriculture. 
  • Jackson Hole: Jackson Hole is considered one of the most expensive places in Wyoming. However, it offers many outdoor activities, cultural events, entertainment and a small-town atmosphere.
  • Casper: A family-friendly community in Natrona County, Casper is the second most populous city in the state. There are also many job opportunities across various industries. 
  • Green River: Green River is a small community with many job opportunities, affordable houses for sale and endless outdoor recreational activities. 
  • Moose: Obsessed with hiking and the good outdoors? Settle down in Moose for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle. There are many outdoor activities, scenic views, and bike trails for the whole family.


Average Cost to Move from California to Wyoming

The cost of moving to Wyoming from California will vary depending on where you're moving to or from and what you need help moving. The average line haul cost of moving from Wyoming from California with North American is $8,700.

Average cost to move: $8,700



There are many variables that will determine the exact cost, such as the actual distance of the move and the number of items being moved. Some other factors that can impact the overall cost of your relocation include:

  • The time of the year you're moving
  • The day of the week you're moving
  • What services you're investing in
  • How much you're moving


For an accurate estimate for your move to Wyoming, request a free online quote today.

How to Move from California to Wyoming

The best way to save time and money on your upcoming move is to work with a professional long-distance moving company like North American Van Lines. Professional movers are trained, certified and insured. They also have the skills needed to help you move quickly and efficiently. 

To help ensure you're transition is as seamless as possible, consider also:

  • Recycle, donate and throw away items you no longer use
  • Invest in quality moving boxes and packing supplies
  • Explore California to Wyoming car shipping services
  • Downsizing before relocating


Ready to start planning your move from California to Wyoming? North American Van Lines is here to assist. Our team of long-distance movers is trained to handle moves of every size. With our support and guidance, you'll achieve a hassle-free relocation to your new destination.

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

Start your free quote now!

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