348 movers in Santa Barbara

What to know when moving to Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara at a Glance

The Vibe:
A highly educated area where 41.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 78.2% are renters.
The Major Draw:
Median household income is $79,868, providing a comfortable living standard.
The Reality Check:
The median gross rent is $2,109, which is relatively high.
Commute:
Only 3.2% of residents use public transit.
Top Tip:
Prepare for 33.5 inches of rain annually, with the wettest months in winter.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Santa Barbara has a population of 30,496, characterized by a significant renter presence at 78.2%. While the median household income is a solid $79,868, nearly 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has a relatively high education level, with 41.1% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The climate brings about 33.5 inches of precipitation a year, with most rain falling during the winter.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent stands at $2,109.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $2,109, which can strain a budget, especially for renters.
  • Median home value is $1,122,200, indicating a high cost of homeownership.
  • 41.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community.
  • The poverty rate is 17.1%, suggesting economic challenges for some residents.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Crime data for California indicates a mixed picture; while property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, the state annual rate for property crime in 2025 stands at 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national average. Violent crime has also dropped by 17.4% in the same period, with a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, 27.7% higher than the national rate.

  • Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k.
  • Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k.
  • Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).

Schools & Higher Ed

Santa Barbara has access to several higher education institutions, contributing to its educated population.

  • Total postsecondary institutions: 7
  • With College Scorecard data: 7
  • Local options include University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and Westmont College.

Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Santa Barbara experiences an annual high of 81°F and an average low of 47°F, with 33.5 inches of rain spread throughout the year, particularly in winter. The area enjoys 333 days of sunshine, making it favorable for outdoor activities.

  • Arroyo Burro Beach County Park: 4.7 stars (3,331 reviews)
  • Shoreline Park: 4.8 stars (2,508 reviews)
  • Goleta Beach Park: 4.5 stars (3,047 reviews)

Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

Santa Barbara County has a labor force of 221,450, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of December 2025.

  • Unemployment rate: 4.9%
  • Employed: 210,704
  • Labor force: 221,450

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Santa Barbara interstate movers?

Santa Barbara moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of California

Let's see how many people move within California versus those who moved from The Golden State to another state.

Moved Within CA
46%
Moved out of CA
54%

Out of all California household moves, approximately 46% of them have been local ones, with 54% of the people moving to another state in the country.

Despite being the home of the nation’s second- and third-largest urban economies (the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area respectively), the majority of Californians have still chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates California local movers

When contacting local California moving companies, make sure to check their cal-T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Household goods moving companies must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness.

They must also prove that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: www.cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC controls privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, along with passenger transportation companies.

What do people move within California?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in CA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (26%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

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Check out our detailed moving guides:

How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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