($1,303+) Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,238 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,668 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,164 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,742, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,668 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,687 - $6,536, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,238 - $3,780.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,755 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Columbus to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,755 - $8,212 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,164 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,164-mile route from Columbus to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,742 - $5,945 | $1,687 - $3,147 | $1,238 - $2,591 | $1,486 - $2,922 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,755 - $8,212 | $2,340 - $4,694 | $1,424 - $2,996 | $1,710 - $3,681 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,765 - $11,668 | $2,934 - $6,536 | $1,834 - $3,780 | $2,445 - $5,129 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 23, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Columbus, Georgia, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $2,742 and $11,668. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,164-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $335 - $2,232, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbus and Los Angeles. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbus tend to start around $315 plus $140/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,742 - $5,945
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,755 - $8,212
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,765 - $11,668
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 Columbus to Los Angeles.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Georgia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $558 - $5,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $223 - $1,339/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $335 - $2,678 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage22% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,116 - $3,348 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,790 - $11,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $836 - $1,588 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American International Movers Inc. | $1,116 - $2,790 |
| Piano | Any piano type56% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $893 - $3,906 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling56% of local movers | $335 - $1,674 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $725 - $2,232 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $335 - $16,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $335 - $3,906+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, GA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,687 and $6,536. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Los Angeles. If you go over that window, storage in Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,687 - $3,147
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,340 - $4,694
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,934 - $6,536
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 $781 in Columbus, GA. 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 $84 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $167 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 Georgia 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 $1,687. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,340 - $4,694, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.1/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- JIT Movers Inc. (4.1/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,164-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $1,238 and $3,780, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $768 - $878
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Columbus to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,238 - $2,591
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,996
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,834 - $3,780
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,238 - $3,780. But once you factor in fuel ($768 - $878) , overnight lodging ($167/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $84 and $391.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $167.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $768 and $878 for the 2,164-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $781 for 2 movers in Columbus, Georgia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbus, Georgia, to Los Angeles, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,710 and $3,681.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,486 - $2,922
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,445 - $5,129
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Columbus, Georgia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $781.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $84 and $167 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Collins Trucking Co (4.3/5 stars): Collins Trucking Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Columbus to Los Angeles, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Columbus, GA 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, GA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 78 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $179,307 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $56,622/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 25/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 27.82/100 | 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 Columbus, GA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 89 movers based in Georgia, handy for sizing up options on this 2,164-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,164-mile route from Columbus, GA, to Los Angeles, CA, run $2,742 - $11,668 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,687 - $6,536, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,238 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,755, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 Columbus, GA, to Los Angeles, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,424 - $2,996. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
How long does a move from Columbus, GA to Los Angeles, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $315 as a base rate, plus $140/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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, GA 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.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 56% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.