Moving from Sacramento to Los Angeles, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Sacramento to Los Angeles costs $423–$8,743, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 385-mile route within California take 1–4 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Two Men and a Truck Moving leads local picks at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 570 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Sacramento to Los Angeles?
Moving from Sacramento to Los Angeles doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.52/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 385-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,193–$5,955 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,417–$2,791 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $442–$949 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Two Men and a Truck Moving | $130/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Sacramento to Los Angeles?
A move from Sacramento to Los Angeles runs $423 to $8,743, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 385-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $1,358–$8,743
- Moving containers: $1,108–$3,390
- Rental trucks: $423–$1,104
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 385 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,358–$4,639 | $1,108–$1,949 | $423–$792 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,193–$5,955 | $1,417–$2,791 | $442–$949 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,513–$8,743 | $1,915–$3,390 | $555–$1,104 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Sacramento to Los Angeles move?
Common extra fees on a Sacramento to Los Angeles move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $130/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Sacramento to Los Angeles
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Sacramento to Los Angeles, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. Two Men and a Truck Moving leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 570 verified customer reviews. At 385 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Sacramento to Los Angeles. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 385 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
Two Men and a Truck Moving is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Sacramento to Los Angeles, earning 4.52 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. Two Men and a Truck Moving has been in business since 2005 (21 years), with 71.6% of 570 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Sacramento guide.
How does Los Angeles compare to Sacramento?
Cost of living: Sacramento vs. Los Angeles
The cost of living in Sacramento vs. Los Angeles goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Los Angeles stacks up against Sacramento.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Sacramento | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,899 | $2,960 |
| Average home cost | $483,739 | $878,142 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,753 | $80,366 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,656 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,191 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 10.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.75% | 9.5% |
Cost-of-living data for Sacramento and Los Angeles comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Los Angeles are 56% higher than in Sacramento. Negotiate a cost-of-living adjustment or factor the gap into your relocation budget.
- Home prices in Los Angeles are 82% higher than Sacramento. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Income levels in Sacramento and Los Angeles are nearly identical. Local pay scales should not require an adjustment to your budget.
- Living expenses for one person in Los Angeles run 120% higher than Sacramento. The gap typically lands on rent, groceries, and transportation.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 here runs 105% higher than Sacramento. The premium is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or school selection.
- Unemployment in Los Angeles runs 38% higher than Sacramento. Time the move around a job offer rather than relocating speculatively.
- Sales taxes in Los Angeles run 9% higher than Sacramento. Pre-move purchases of furniture or appliances avoid the higher rate.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,600 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Sacramento.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Los Angeles
Life in Los Angeles vs. Sacramento differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Sacramento | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 3,820,914 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 64-31 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 53.81 |
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Los Angeles is around 628% larger in size than Sacramento. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, both Sacramento and Los Angeles voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Los Angeles top out at 84°F, vs. 93°F in Sacramento. Plan for a cooler, more comfortable summer with lower cooling costs.
- Winter lows in Sacramento hit 39°F, vs. 46°F in Los Angeles. Heating bills typically drop, and outdoor winter activity becomes more accessible.
- Annual rainfall in Sacramento (20 inches) and Los Angeles (16 inches) is similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- Annual snowfall in Sacramento and Los Angeles is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Los Angeles (53.81) is higher than Sacramento (49.21). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Los Angeles
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- The Broad
Parks in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports teams in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Universities in Los Angeles
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
- Alliant International University
Final verdict: best movers from Sacramento to Los Angeles
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Sacramento to Los Angeles, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.52 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 71.6% positive reviews across 570 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $423–$8,743 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Sacramento to Los Angeles
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Sacramento to Los Angeles?
A professional moving company from Sacramento to Los Angeles charges $1,209–$3,530 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $2,193–$5,955. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $3,513–$8,743.
How much are moving container companies from Sacramento to Los Angeles?
Moving containers from Sacramento to Los Angeles typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $760 and go up to $1,876. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,417 and $2,791. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $1,915–$3,390.
How much is a moving truck from Sacramento to Los Angeles?
A rental moving truck from Sacramento to Los Angeles costs $419–$745 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $442–$949, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $555–$1,104.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Sacramento-to-Los Angeles movers?
Book your move from Sacramento to Los Angeles at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Sacramento-to-Los Angeles movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Los Angeles?
The cheapest time to move to Los Angeles is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
