Planning a move in Los Angeles? Explore typical moving costs in Los Angeles to help you plan your budget effectively. The price can vary widely depending on factors like how far you’re moving, the size of your home, and the level of service you need. Whether you’re just relocating within LA or making a longer-distance move, knowing what to expect upfront can help you make the best choice for a smooth and affordable move.
Planning to move to Los Angeles? Get started with Clutter now!
This 2025 guide covers everything from truck rentals to long-distance movers, moving containers, and full-service providers like Clutter, who simplify the process from start to finish.
Learn more: L.A. Moving Guide: 6 Things You Should Know Before Moving to L.A.
Los Angeles Moving Costs by Type
Average Cost of Local Moves in Los Angeles
Local moves in Los Angeles are typically billed by the hour. Most companies charge $100 to $150 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck. Costs vary based on the size of your home, complexity, and traffic conditions, which in LA, can be unpredictable. Full-service movers like Clutter handle the entire process for you, including packing, inventory management, transport, and storage if needed, making it ideal for those who want to avoid the hassle of coordinating every step themselves.
Learn more: How Much to Tip Movers in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a local move:
| Home Size | Average Total Cost | Number of Movers | Estimated Hours |
| Studio | $300 – $600 | 2 | 3 – 4 |
| 1 Bedroom | $400 – $750 | 2 | 4 – 6 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $750 – $1,900 | 3 | 5 – 8 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 – $3,500 | 4 | 6 – 12 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 – $5,100 | 4 | 8 – 14 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $2,500 – $8,000 | 5 | 10 – 16 |
Average Cost of Long-Distance Movers in Los Angeles
Long-distance moves are priced based on mileage, total load weight, and additional services. If you’re leaving LA for another state (or coming in), expect the following price ranges:
| Distance (miles) | 1 Bedroom | 2–3 Bedrooms | 4–5 Bedrooms |
| 100–250 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,250 – $1,700 | $2,000 – $3,400 |
| 250–500 | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,500 – $5,200 |
| 500–1,000 | $1,400 – $2,900 | $2,100 – $6,900 | $5,500 – $7,900 |
| 1,000–1,500 | $1,800 – $3,700 | $3,900 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $8,500 |
| 1,500–2,500 | $1,900 – $3,700 | $3,900 – $7,500 | $8,500 – $11,000 |
Learn more: Moving Long Distance – 21 Best Long Distance Moving Tips
Pro Tip: Booking long-distance moves during off-peak months (September to April) may save 10–20%.
Average Cost of Rental Trucks in Los Angeles
Renting a moving truck is a good option for DIY movers. Costs include rental fees, mileage, fuel, and insurance.
| Truck Size | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
| 10–12 ft (Small) | $20 – $30 | $140 – $210 | $600 – $900 |
| 14–20 ft (Medium) | $40 – $80 | $280 – $560 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| 22–26 ft (Large) | $60 – $100 | $420 – $700 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
Learn more: How To Find the Best Moving Truck Rental for Your Needs
Note: Mileage surcharges, taxes, and equipment rentals (e.g., dollies) can add 10–30% to your bill.
Average Cost of Moving Containers in Los Angeles
Companies like PODS and U-Pack allow you to pack at your own pace and ship your belongings on your schedule.
| Move Type | Average Cost |
| Local Move | $400 – $700 |
| Long-Distance Move | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Ideal for flexible timelines, downsizing, or hybrid DIY + storage solutions.
Learn more: How to Protect Your Antique Furniture While Moving
Average Cost of Moving an Entire House in Los Angeles
If you’re relocating an entire home, especially with full-service movers who disassemble, pack, and unload everything, prices reflect the scope.
| Home Size | Local Move | Long-Distance Move |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 – $2,500 | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,000 – $3,500 | $6, |
Los Angeles Moving Costs by Size
Studio or 1-Bedroom Moves
- Local: $300 – $750
- Long-Distance: $1,000 – $3,000
Perfect for young professionals, students, or short-distance moves.
Learn more: The Ultimate Moving-Out-of-State Checklist 2025
Multi-Room Moves (2–5 Bedrooms)
- Local: $750 – $5,100
- Long-Distance: $2,500 – $11,000
Often includes packing, loading, truck use, and unloading. The more rooms, the more time, crew, and cost.
Learn more: New Home Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to Moving In
8 Key Factors That Affect Moving Costs in Los Angeles
Trying to figure out how much your LA move will cost? It’s definitely not just about distance. Moving prices in Los Angeles can depend on factors ranging from the accessibility of your residence to the level of service required. Whether you’re wondering “how much moving costs” in general or specifically “how much movers cost in Los Angeles,” understanding these factors can help you avoid that discouraging moment when the final bill is way higher than you expected.
1. Distance of the Move
The cost usually increases with distance, longer moves tend to be more expensive. If you’re just moving across LA, most companies charge by the hour. But once you’re going beyond 100 miles or leaving California altogether, they’ll look at the total distance, how heavy your stuff is, and how much space it takes up. That 10-mile move across town might cost a few hundred, while heading 1,000 miles away could set you back thousands. Many people ask, “How much does a moving company cost?” without considering distance, which is a crucial element of your total moving service cost.
Learn more: 8 Tips For First-Time Homebuyers
2. Volume or Weight of Items
Generally, the more belongings you have, the higher your moving cost will be. The heavier your belongings, the more work, people, and gas it takes to move them. For long-distance moves, weight and volume directly impact your price, and even local moves might need extra movers or multiple trips if you’ve got a lot to transport. If you’re wondering “how much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment,” this factor will significantly influence your quote.
3. Type of Services Chosen
Full-service movers who assist with packing fragile items and setting up furniture offer convenience, but this typically increases the total cost. For those asking, “How much are movers in Los Angeles?”, the answer varies widely based on service level. DIY options like renting a truck or just hiring some muscle are cheaper, but way more work for you. Services like Clutter offer something in between, handling both the move and storage while keeping track of what you own. Flat-rate movers in Los Angeles offer rates that can be appealing as they provide price certainty regardless of how long the move takes.
4. Packing Materials and Supplies
Those boxes and bubble wrap add up fast, and they’re rarely included in standard quotes. Some companies will sell you these materials, others charge per item, and some offer package deals. Full-service providers like Clutter typically include these materials in your quote, which is one less thing to worry about when calculating your total moving service cost.
Learn more: 21 Essential Moving and Packing Supplies You Need for Your Next Move
| Supply Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Cardboard boxes | $1.50 – $5.00 per box |
| Wardrobe boxes | $10 – $15 per box |
| Bubble wrap & tape | $15 – $50 total |
| Packing paper | $20 – $40 per bundle |
5. Accessibility and Entry Conditions
Anyone who’s lived in Downtown LA or West Hollywood knows the nightmare of narrow alleys and walk-up apartments. These access issues mean more time and potentially more fees. Many companies hit you with “long carry fees” if movers have to walk more than 75 feet, and those five flights of stairs won’t do your wallet any favors either. This is especially important when figuring out how much movers cost for a one-bedroom apartment in buildings with challenging access.
6. Time of Year and Move Date
Moving prices, like almost everything else, follow supply and demand. Summer (May through August), weekends, and month beginnings/endings will cost you more. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday move in November, you might save 10-30% compared to a Saturday in July. When researching how much movers cost in Los Angeles, remember that timing can significantly impact your rate.
7. Special Handling for Oversized or Valuable Items
Large or valuable items, such as pianos or pool tables, require special handling and equipment, which can significantly increase your moving costs. Large, awkward, or especially valuable items need special equipment and trained staff, adding anywhere from $100 to $500+ per item to your bill. Always mention these when getting quotes, especially if you’re looking at flat-rate movers in Los Angeles rate options.
8. Insurance and Liability Coverage
Standard coverage (about 60 cents per pound) won’t help if your $2,000 laptop gets damaged. You can upgrade to full-value protection or get separate insurance to cover replacement costs for your valuables. This is a crucial consideration when calculating the cost of a moving company for your particular situation.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost Range |
| Basic Valuation | $0.60 per pound per item | Usually included |
| Full-Value Protection | Repair or replace the damage | $300 – $1,200+ |
| Third-Party Insurance | Customizable plans | Varies by provider |
Full-service movers like Clutter typically include detailed inventory tracking, photos of your items, and secure storage options, which makes them worth considering if you’re moving items with high financial or sentimental value. These additional protections may affect your final moving service cos,t but provide important peace of mind.
The Ultimate Cost-Saving Plan for Moving in Los Angeles
| Start Here → Begin Planning Early Be ready at least 4–6 weeks in advance to lock in better pricing and reduce last-minute stress. |
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| Step 1: Declutter Your Home Sell, donate, or discard unused items to reduce moving volume and lower your quote. |
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| Step 2: Decide How You’ll Pack → Option A: Pack Yourself ✔ Save $300–$600 on packing labor and materials. → Option B: Hire Packers ✔ Ideal for large moves or tight timelines. Includes materials and speed. |
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| Step 3: Choose the Right Move Date Select a mid-month, mid-week date (Oct–Mar) to avoid peak pricing. |
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| Step 4: Get three or More Quotes Compare pricing, services, and reviews to avoid overpaying or hiring unreliable movers. |
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| Step 5: Ask for Discounts Inquire about student, military, senior, or AAA discounts—often 5–15% off. |
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| Step 6: Prepare Before Moving Day Be fully packed and organized when movers arrive to avoid overtime charges. |
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| Step 7: Read and Understand Your Contract Review all fine print—especially cancellation fees, damage liability, and service scope. |
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| Final Result: A Cost-Effective, Stress-Free Move By following this sequence, you’ll minimize your moving expenses and avoid last-minute surprises. |
Your Hassle-Free Move Starts Here—Book Our Moving Services!
Conclusion
Relocating to LA doesn’t have to drain your wallet or cause you endless stress. By understanding what drives those moving costs – distance, home size, and extra services – you can make smarter choices that save you money.
Whether you prefer DIY packing or hiring full-service movers like Clutter, each decision affects your bottom line. Even choosing a weekday instead of a weekend move can significantly reduce your expenses.
Before you move, consider decluttering – fewer items mean lower costs and less hassle for you. Don’t forget to compare quotes and ask directly about discounts.
With thoughtful planning, your move won’t leave you financially strained. Ready to start your Los Angeles move today? Earlier planning gives you more options for finding the best value, including affordable storage solutions for a smooth transition.
FAQs for How Much Do Movers Cost In Los Angeles
1. What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in Los Angeles?
Before signing on the dotted line with any LA moving company, make sure they’ve got the basics covered—proper licensing and insurance. The last thing you want is damaged furniture with no recourse! Dig into customer reviews (the more recent, the better) and pay close attention to how transparent companies are about their pricing.
2. Which Are the Top Moving Companies in Los Angeles?
If you’re looking for reliable movers in LA, a few names consistently come up in conversations. Clutter has built a solid reputation for their all-in-one moving and storage solutions—pretty convenient if you’re in transition. Bekins Moving Solutions is another go-to for many Angelenos, especially if you’re heading out of state. Mayflower and U-Haul are those familiar names you’ve probably already heard of, with options for both local apartment hops and cross-country relocations. Just do yourself a favor and compare what each one offers against your needs, and definitely check out what other customers are saying.
3. How Much Do Local Movers in Los Angeles Typically Charge?
For moving within LA, expect to shell out around $100-150 per hour for a standard setup with two movers and their truck. The total hit to your wallet really depends on how much stuff you’ve accumulated—a cozy studio might only take a few hours, while that four-bedroom in the Valley could be a full day affair. moves typically run between $300 on the low end to about $3,500 for larger homes with all the bells and whistles included.
4. What’s the Estimated Cost for Long-Distance Movers to/from Los Angeles?
When you’re making a bigger jump to or from LA, prices jump accordingly—anywhere from $1,000 for something relatively close like San Diego up to $11,000 for cross-country hauls. Crossing state lines always adds to the complexity and cost. You should get detailed quotes in writing, and make sure you understand exactly what’s included. Those extras like packing services or storage can add up fast if they’re not in your base quote.
5. How Can I Find Affordable Movers in Los Angeles?
If you’re trying to keep costs down (and who isn’t?), start by getting at least three different quotes to compare. Companies that offer flat-rate pricing can sometimes save you from those hourly surprises that blow your budget. Consider moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of the weekend if possible, or aim for October through April when demand is lower. And if you’re not afraid of a little work, packing your own boxes can knock a decent chunk off the labor costs. Just be sure to label everything clearly—your future self will thank you!
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