($496+) Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $496 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,199 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 688 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,478, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,199 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,052 - $3,327, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $496 - $1,347.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,231 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,231 - $5,707 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 688 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 688-mile route from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,478 - $3,952 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,052 - $1,741), rental truck ($496 - $973), or freight trailer ($865 - $1,634). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,231 - $5,707 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,199.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 688-mile move from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Los Angeles, California, with prices running from $1,478 - $8,199. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $412 - $2,748 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Salt Lake City movers tend to run around $340 as a base rate plus $137/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,478 - $3,952
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,231 - $5,707
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,013 - $8,199
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 47% of Salt Lake City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $687 - $6,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready47% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $275 - $1,649/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $412 - $3,298 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,374 - $4,122 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,435 - $13,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,029 - $1,955 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $1,374 - $3,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $1,099 - $4,809 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $412 - $2,061 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $893 - $2,748 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $412 - $20,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $412 - $4,809+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Salt Lake City, UT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,052 and $3,327. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Salt Lake City runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,052 - $1,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,311 - $2,412
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,650 - $3,327
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $962 in Salt Lake City, UT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $103 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $206 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Los Angeles, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Utah to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,052. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,311 - $2,412.
What are the best moving containers Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Salt Lake City to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Salt Lake City:
- Moving Connections (4.9/5), 27 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Rocky Mountain Movers (4.6/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 688 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Los Angeles, California, running $496 - $1,347. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $301 - $344
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Salt Lake City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.29
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $496 - $973
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $518 - $1,123
- 4+ bedrooms: $654 - $1,347
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $496 - $1,347 does not include fuel ($301 - $344), lodging ($206/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $301 - $344 for the 688-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Salt Lake City, Utah, for about 5 hours typically costs around $962.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 688-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $206 per night, adding $412 - $618 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $69 and $412.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA
For larger DIY moves from Salt Lake City, Utah, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Los Angeles, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,060 and $1,990.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $865 - $1,634
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,060 - $1,990
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,445 - $2,504
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $103 - $206 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Salt Lake City, Utah, for about five hours typically runs $962.
What are the best freight companies from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Salt Lake City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 121 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $495,721 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $74,925/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 65.36/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Utah to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 106 movers in our Utah network to compare for this 688-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Los Angeles, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,478 - $8,199 on the 688-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,052 - $3,327 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $496 - $1,347 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,231 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Los Angeles, CA
How much does it cost to move from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $496 to $8,199, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,478 and $8,199, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Salt Lake City?
Local movers based in Salt Lake City typically start around $340 as a base rate, plus $137/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Salt Lake City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Salt Lake City handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.