Top-rated local movers that handle Houston to Los Angeles moves
When planning a move from Houston to Los Angeles, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 49 local movers in Houston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Houston to Los Angeles.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Los Angeles?
Movers in Texas charge $131 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,234 – $4,870 | $1,022 – $2,566 | $875 – $1,747 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,830 – $7,012 | $1,702 – $3,601 | $996 – $2,100 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,403 – $9,634 | $2,342 – $4,571 | $1,254 – $2,414 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Los Angeles
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Los Angeles, you can expect to spend between $1,234 and $4,870. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,830 to $7,012 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Houston to Los Angeles typically runs between $5,403 and $9,634.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Los Angeles
When moving from Houston to Los Angeles, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,022 and $2,566. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,702 to $3,601. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,342 up to $4,571. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Los Angeles
Renting a moving truck in Houston is usually your cheapest option to get to Los Angeles. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $875 and $1,747. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $996 and $2,100. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,254 and $2,414.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Houston to Los Angeles
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,519, but larger homes can run up to $8,335.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Houston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($875–$2,275) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Houston to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 111% higher for singles and 78% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $12,720 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Los Angeles, note that rent can be roughly 91% more expensive than it is in Houston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 797% higher in Los Angeles than in Houston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 7% higher in Los Angeles compared to Houston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person is 111% more than in Houston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Los Angeles, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 78% more than it is in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 159% higher compared to Houston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 15% higher in Los Angeles than in Houston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Houston with Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Houston | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Los Angeles.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Houston than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Houston than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Houston vs. Los Angeles
| Houston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 59 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 66% greater than Houston.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Houston with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 53.81 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 46.19 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Los Angeles move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Los Angeles smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Now that you’ve chosen City of Angels as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Los Angeles is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Los Angeles offers cultural landmarks like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Los Angeles?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Los Angeles are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Los Angeles?
Because spring and fall moves from Houston to Los Angeles are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Houston to Los Angeles take?
A move of 1,547 miles from Houston, TX to Los Angeles, generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Houston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Los Angeles is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Houston?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Houston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 27 movers in Houston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
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