Compare Los Angeles moving company reviews. For budgeting, use a planning range of $135 to $185 per hour for 2 movers and a truck (with a 3-hour minimum):
- Studio / 1-Bedroom Apartment (2 Movers, 3–5 hrs): $450 – $950
- 2-Bedroom Apartment or Condo (3 Movers, 5–7 hrs): $980 – $1,650
- 3-Bedroom House in LA (3–4 Movers, 7–9 hrs): $1,600 – $2,450
- Long-Distance Move from Los Angeles (e.g., LA to NYC, Seattle, or Chicago): $2,800 – $8,500+ depending on weight and mileage.
- California Double Drive Time (DDT) Rule: Under California BHGS/CPUC regulations, local LA movers are legally required to double the driving time between your pickup and drop-off addresses to cover transit time without hidden fuel surcharges.
Compare LA Movers: Browse the 12 Best-Rated Los Angeles Moving Companies or get an instant rate on our Free Moving Cost Calculator.
Once you know how much hiring movers is likely to cost you and how those costs are calculated, then you can set your moving budget accordingly. You can decide where to maybe make some savings, and more importantly, it will prevent any nasty surprises on moving day.
These three factors determine what your move will cost you:
- The size of your home
- The distance of your move
- Any additional services, such as packing, storage, or furniture assembly
Based on our latest research, here are the costs of local and long-distance moves in Los Angeles, how those costs break down, and safe ways to save some money on your relocation.
You may also like to read: All You Need to Know About Moving Quotes. This guide is essential reading. There are various types of moving quotes you can be offered, and which one you choose can have a serious impact on the final cost of your move. Do not accept any quote without reading this guide first.
Average Cost of Local Movers in Los Angeles
Local movers in Los Angeles typically charge between $90 and $150 per hour per mover, depending on the company, time of year, and level of service.
Most moving companies usually need a minimum of 3–4 hours for local moves.
Taking into consideration the size of the home and typical move times, the average cost of a local move in Los Angeles ranges from about $420 to $2,750+.
| Home | Est. cost | Movers | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $420 – $600 | 2 | 3 |
| 1-bedroom | $600 – $900 | 2 | 4 |
| 2-bedroom | $900 – $1,400 | 3 | 5–6 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,600 – $2,200 | 4 | 6–7 |
| 4-bedroom | $2,100 – $2,750+ | 4 | 8–9 |
These estimates are based upon standard labor, loading, transportation, and unloading.
Keep in mind that Los Angeles traffic, parking restrictions, and apartment elevators can affect how long the move takes and increase the final cost.
Important: Local movers in California are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Bureau of Household Goods and Services lists the licensed movers in California. Licensed movers must follow pricing regulations and provide written estimates.
You may also like to read: The Essential Guide to Hiring Local Movers. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of hiring good local movers and explain the red flags and scams to avoid.
How Much do Movers Cost?
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How Much Do Long-Distance Movers Cost from Los Angeles?
If you’re moving out of California, moving companies usually charge based on:
- Distance
- Shipment weight or volume
- Home size
- Additional services
On average, long-distance movers in Los Angeles cost $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on distance and home size.
For a 1,000-mile move, typical costs are:
| Home | Est. cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $3,000 – $6,200 |
| 2-bedroom | $3,800 – $7,400 |
| 3-bedroom | $4,800 – $8,300 |
| 4-bedroom | $5,500 – $9,500 |
Cross-country moves (for example, Los Angeles to New York) can cost over $10,000, especially if you need packing services or temporary storage.
Average Long-Distance Moving Costs by Distance
Here are rough 2026 estimates for long-distance moves from Los Angeles:
| Distance | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | 4-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 miles | $1,600 – $3,800 | $2,100 – $5,200 | $2,700 – $5,900 | $3,200 – $6,700 |
| 500 miles | $2,100 – $4,200 | $2,800 – $5,700 | $3,900 – $6,800 | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| 1,000 miles | $3,000 – $6,200 | $3,800 – $7,400 | $4,800 – $8,300 | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| 2,000+ miles | $4,000 – $8,000 | $5,000 – $9,800 | $6,500 – $11,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
These are average market prices, and the exact cost depends on the moving company and services requested.
Popular Moving Routes from Los Angeles
Here are typical moving costs along popular routes from Los Angeles:
Los Angeles to San Diego
- $1,100 – $2,500 (1-bedroom)
- $1,700 – $3,400 (2-bedroom)
- $2,100 – $3,900 (3-bedroom)
Los Angeles to San Francisco
- $2,100 – $4,200 (1-bedroom)
- $2,800 – $5,700 (2-bedroom)
- $3,900 – $6,800 (3-bedroom)
Los Angeles to Seattle
- $3,000 – $6,200 (1-bedroom)
- $3,800 – $7,400 (2-bedroom)
- $4,800 – $8,300 (3-bedroom)
Los Angeles to Phoenix
- $1,600 – $3,800 (1-bedroom)
- $2,100 – $5,200 (2-bedroom)
- $2,700 – $5,900 (3-bedroom)
Los Angeles to New York City
- $4,500 – $8,500 (1-bedroom)
- $6,000 – $10,500 (2-bedroom)
- $8,000 – $13,000 (3-bedroom)
Important: For interstate moves, companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and have a valid DOT number. Choosing a licensed, insured mover in Los Angeles protects your belongings and gives you legal recourse if something goes wrong.
You may also like to read: How to Pick a Good Interstate Mover. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of picking the right interstate mover for your relocation, including things to watch out for and how to avoid moving scams.
Additional Moving Services and Their Cost
Many moving companies offer optional services that can increase the total cost.
Typical prices:
| Service | Est. cost |
|---|---|
| Packing services | $300 – $1,500 |
| Unpacking services | $200 – $600 |
| Furniture disassembly | $50 – $200 |
| Temporary storage | $100 – $300 per month |
| Specialty items (pianos, antiques) | $200 – $1,000 |
You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance Explained. Whilst insurance is often included in your estimate, movers’ insurance is usually woefully inadequate. Additional insurance is available at an extra cost and is worth every cent. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about the various types of insurance cover available for your home move.
What Affects the Cost of Movers in Los Angeles?
Several factors influence the final price of hiring movers:
1. Distance
The farther you move, the more expensive the move becomes due to fuel, labor hours, and logistics.
2. Size of the Home
Larger homes require more movers, more truck space, and more time.
3. Weight of Your Belongings
Interstate moving companies calculate cost partly based on shipment weight.
4. Additional Moving Services
Common add-on services include:
- Packing and unpacking
- Furniture disassembly
- Storage
- Specialty item handling (pianos, antiques)
These services can significantly increase the final bill.
5. Time of Year
Moving companies are busiest between May and September, so prices may be higher during peak moving season.
6. Parking and Building Access
In dense areas of Los Angeles, movers may charge extra for:
- Parking permits
- Long carrying distances
- Stairs or elevator fees
You may also like to read: Self-packing vs. full packing Packing is arguably one of the worst parts of moving home; surrounded by boxes for weeks on end, finding the time to pack, and then discovering that any items you pack yourself are not covered by insurance. In this guide, we find out whether hiring professional packers is worth the cost.
How to Save Money When Hiring Movers in Los Angeles
Here are some ways to reduce your moving costs without compromising on safety or a smooth moving experience:
1. Get multiple moving quotes
Compare estimates from several moving companies to find the best price and service.
2. Declutter before moving
The fewer items you move, the cheaper the move will be.
3. Pack your non-valuable belongings yourself
Packing services can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost. However, remember that any items you pack yourself are rarely covered by insurance.
4. Find free moving boxes
Check grocery stores, liquor stores, or online marketplaces for free boxes.
5. Move during the off-season
The cheapest time to move is typically October through April when demand is lower.
You may also like to read: How to Declutter for a Home Move. Decluttering, getting rid of things you no longer need or want, is crucial for keeping your moving costs under control, and your new home looking organized and tidy. This guide explains how to declutter each room of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do local movers cost in Los Angeles?
Local movers in Los Angeles charge $90–$150 per hour per mover on average. A typical local move costs $420 to $2,750, depending on the size of the home.
How much do long-distance movers cost from Los Angeles?
Long-distance moves usually cost $3,000–$10,000+, depending on distance, home size, and additional services.
What is the cheapest way to move in Los Angeles?
The cheapest option is usually a DIY move using a rental truck, but hiring professional movers saves time and reduces the risk of damaged furniture.
Always get a written estimate after a virtual or in-home inspection. This is the most accurate way to determine your final moving cost.
Good luck with your home move, and be sure to check out our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.
How California’s “Double Drive Time” (DDT) Law Works on Los Angeles Moves
One of the most confusing parts of hiring local movers in Los Angeles is Double Drive Time (DDT). Mandated by the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), DDT replaces flat travel fees on moves under 100 miles:
| LA route | Drive time¹ | Double drive¹ | Load + unload | Hours + cost² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica to Culver City (7 mi) | 20 mins | 40 mins (0.67 hr) | 4.5 hrs | 5.17 hrs (~$1,008) |
| Hollywood to Pasadena (14 mi) | 30 mins | 60 mins (1.0 hr) | 5.5 hrs | 6.50 hrs (~$1,268) |
| Westwood to Long Beach (28 mi) | 45 mins | 90 mins (1.5 hrs) | 6.0 hrs | 7.50 hrs (~$1,463) |
| Downtown LA to Irvine (42 mi) | 60 mins | 120 mins (2.0 hrs) | 7.0 hrs | 9.00 hrs (~$1,755) |
¹ Drive times are examples, not traffic predictions. California rules may allow double drive time for qualifying hourly moves; confirm how your mover applies it. ² This example uses 3 movers and a truck at $195/hour, before other fees.
Compare Top-Rated Los Angeles & California Movers
- 12 Best-Rated Moving Companies in Los Angeles, CA (2026 Reviews)
- Top California Moving Companies Directory
- Free Los Angeles Moving Cost Calculator
- Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Best Movers & Costs
- Moving from Los Angeles to New York: Interstate Movers
- Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle: Route Guide & Reviews
- Two Men and a Moving Truck Cost Guide
- How Much Should You Tip Movers in Los Angeles?
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More about the author
Joshua is a moving expert and author who dedicates his time to helping people move quickly and safely. Writes for MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
Martin is a moving expert and online marketer who’s been involved in the moving industry since 2004. Writes for MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
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