($1,495+) Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,495 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,186 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,765 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,245, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,186 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,857 - $7,348, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,495 - $4,194.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,524 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 Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark to Los Angeles: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,524 - $6,930. Moving containers run about 31% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 53% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,765-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,765-mile route from Newark to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,245 - $5,202 | $1,857 - $3,650 | $1,495 - $2,900 | $1,706 - $3,187 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,524 - $6,930 | $2,433 - $5,184 | $1,669 - $3,487 | $1,986 - $4,065 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,104 - $11,186 | $3,255 - $7,348 | $2,110 - $4,194 | $2,577 - $5,375 |
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 Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,765-mile relocation from Newark, New Jersey, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,245 and $11,186. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $437 - $2,916, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Newark typically charge a base rate around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,245 - $5,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,524 - $6,930
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,104 - $11,186
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 Newark to Los Angeles.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark 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 packing72% of local movers | $729 - $7,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $292 - $1,750/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $437 - $3,499 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,458 - $4,374 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,645 - $14,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,092 - $2,075 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,458 - $3,645 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,166 - $5,103 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $437 - $2,187 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $948 - $2,916 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $437 - $21,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $437 - $5,103+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Newark, NJ. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,857 and $7,348. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,857 - $3,650
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,433 - $5,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,255 - $7,348
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $109 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $219 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Los Angeles, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,021 in Newark, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey 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 $1,857. 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 $2,433 - $5,184.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA
Plan on $1,495 - $4,194 for a rental moving truck on the 2,765-mile route from Newark, New Jersey, to Los Angeles, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,283 - $1,466
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Newark to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,495 - $2,900
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,487
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,110 - $4,194
Pro tip: A rental truck from Newark to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,495 - $4,194. But once you factor in fuel ($1,283 - $1,466), overnight lodging ($219/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,021.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,283 - $1,466 for the 2,765-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $87 and $474, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $219 per night for hotel stops on the 2,765-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $437 - $656.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Los Angeles, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,312 and $4,065.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,706 - $3,187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,986 - $4,065
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,577 - $5,375
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $109 - $219 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $1,021.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Newark 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: Newark, NJ 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 Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 162 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 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 Newark, NJ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey 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 315 movers in our New Jersey network to compare for this 2,765-mile move.
Our take
The 2,765-mile move from Newark, NJ, to Los Angeles, CA, costs between $2,245 and $11,186 with full-service movers, $1,857 - $7,348 with a moving container, and $1,495 - $4,194 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,524 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Newark, NJ, to Los Angeles, CA
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, compared to 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.