Moving From California to Nevada: Your Guide to a Smooth Move

Updated December, 2024

California has many things going for it: beaches, entertainment, shopping, hiking, food, Disneyland, and more. The state has a population of almost 39 Million people, and between SoCal and the Bay Area, the Inland Empire and San Diego, there's something in California for everyone.

It’s no secret that California is a great place to live, with plenty to do and see. However, more and more people are moving from California to cut down on the cost of living and housing.

Since 2020, it's estimated that 158,000 people have moved from California to Nevada, according to Nevada DMV records.

Below, we’ll touch on everything there is to know about moving from California to Nevada. (Curious about the cost? We got you. Need moving tips? We have your back.) Let’s get started!

Is moving from California to Nevada a good idea?

Certainly! Many people are hesitant about living in Nevada because it’s a desert, but there’s much more to the state than a dry landscape. In fact, according to WorldAtlas, Nevada is “the most mountainous U.S. State and comprises over 150 (named) individual mountain ranges. Over 30 of the state’s mountain peaks exceed 11,000 ft.”

So, yes, Nevada is a desert that gets a max of about 10 inches of rain a year. However, the state also has its fair share of mountains, lakes, and more. (Some of the most scenic places to go in Nevada include Lake Tahoe, the Great Basin National Park, the Washoe Lake State Park, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and Lake Mead.)

In Nevada, you also have the option of living in the big city (e.g., Las Vegas) or a number of rural communities, including Virginia City, Ely, Austin, and Genoa. That means that you can find a great place to live, whether you’re looking to retire and want some peace and quiet or are moving from California to Nevada to live in the midst of it all right in Vegas.

Moving from California to Nevada: pros and cons

Here are some positives and negatives about moving to Nevada from California:

Pros

Lower home costs:The average home value in Nevada is $442,000 as of late 2024,, while the aerage home value in California is $771,000. While prices in Nevada have risen, they've risen in California as well So, if you want warm temperatures and more money to spend on activities you enjoy vs. housing, Nevada might be right for you. The cost of living in Nevada vs. California is significant. Las Vegas is about 10% higher than the national average, but Nevada as a whole is roughly equal. California, meanwhile, is 38% above the national average.
No state income tax:Unlike California, Nevada doesn’t have an income tax. That means you can save a ton on taxes that wouldn’t be possible in California.
Activities galore:Nevada has multiple sports teams (the Vegas Golden Knights, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Las Vegas Aces), so you can always catch a game. It also hosts various high-profile concerts and other events each year, including the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Reno Rodeo, and the Tinker Classic. Let's not forget The Sphere, which is nothing short of a revolutionary live music experience. Oh, and considering that it_is_Nevada, we can’t forget to mention gambling. There’s a slot machine virtually everywhere you go.

Cons

Dry:Situated in the desert, Nevada is the driest state in the U.S. The temperatures can get increasingly hot during the summer, cold in the winter, and freezing at night, but throughout the year, it tends to stay dry.
Dangerous:Nevada is home to poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. You have to watch out for these types of creatures if you live here for your own safety.
Time-consuming move:As with any long-distance move, moving to Nevada from California can take a while, and you have to plan it right to help your costs stay down and your move to happen as quickly and seamlessly as possible. You must figure out when to move based on the weather forecast, plan around any events that might be happening (otherwise, you could be stuck in traffic forever and pay outrageous prices for hotels), where to get storage for your items, and more. (A good way to get around these hurdles is to work with a qualified long-distance mover.)

The Average cost of moving from California to Nevada

In general, it’s good to allocate about $2,300 to $3,800 for your California-to-Nevada move. There are a few things that affect the cost, including the moving company, as well as if you need a moving vehicle, packing supplies, storage, etc.

Moving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is typically around $1,800, a common California to Nevada move.

Some other things to plan for are the cost to get your new driver’s license in Nevada and to get your car registered in the state.

Tips to help with your relocation to Nevada

Here are some things to do upon deciding you’re ready to move:

#1: Order the right packing materials

Flimsy moving boxes can quickly complicate a long-distance move. Invest in quality moving boxes to ensure your items stay secure while on the moving truck. Also, don’t forget to get different boxes for your computers, printers, electronic devices, and kitchen appliances. That way, you’ll know that they’re safe while in transit.

Another thing to do is set up a color-coding system so that you can figure out where different items go with ease (which is especially helpful if you’re moving from one home to another and have accumulated many things over the years).

#2: Get a parking permit (if applicable)

Some parts of Nevada may require you to get a permit to park your moving vehicle. Be sure to get in touch with the city where you plan to move so that you can find out if you need one before moving day. That can save you time and headaches later.

Alternatively, if you’d rather not spend your time worrying about permits, consider hiring a long-distance mover to help you out.

#3: Secure a dedicated moving truck

When you’re moving a long distance, you have more options than just batching and van line services. Bellhop offers a dedicated truck, which can transport you from California to Nevada, saving you time during your move.

In addition, Bellhop has a dedicated support and coordination team that can help you figure out the logistics of your move. We can also load up your items onto the moving truck, unload them in Nevada, match you up with a quality storage provider, and help disassemble and reassemble couches and other types of furniture.

Aside from packing, we can help you with virtually everything. Also, if you’re concerned about the cost of your move to Nevada, don’t be. We have financing that helps you get the great moving services you deserve. (By the way, we don’t make you pay based on the weight of your items. We simply make sure the items fit. That’s how we work here!)

Add moving from California to Nevada to your checklist today

If you’re looking to leave Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, or the Bay area for Nevada, Bellhop has you covered. Our moving company can handle your move from start to finish, beginning in California and ending in Henderson or Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bellhop makes moving from California to Nevada a whole lot simpler. With our help, you can start your move off on a great foot and move safely, quickly, and affordably. Book a move online today.