The best local movers for Boston to Los Angeles moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Boston that also handles long-distance moves to Los Angeles. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 96 local movers in Boston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Boston to Los Angeles.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Los Angeles?
The average hourly rate for movers in Massachusetts is $126. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,313 – $6,062 | $1,428 – $3,529 | $1,670 – $3,051 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,043 – $8,200 | $2,506 – $5,198 | $1,827 – $3,670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,529 – $12,963 | $3,570 – $7,548 | $2,330 – $4,645 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Los Angeles
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Los Angeles will cost between $1,313 and $6,062. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $4,043 to $8,200, and a large move from Boston to Los Angeles will cost from $7,529 to $12,963.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Los Angeles
If you’re moving from Boston to Los Angeles, expect to pay between $1,428 and $3,529 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,506 up to $5,198. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,570 and $7,548. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Los Angeles
Renting a moving truck from Boston to Los Angeles is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,670 and $3,051. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,827 and $3,670. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,330 up to $4,645 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Los Angeles
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $3,019, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,988.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,670–$4,111) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Boston to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 21% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Boston.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Boston versus $4,820 in Boston; families pay $12,720 compared with $11,304.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Boston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 13.3% |
- If you’re heading to Los Angeles from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 13% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 220% greater in Los Angeles than in Boston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 16% lower in Los Angeles compared to Boston.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 21% higher than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Los Angeles, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 13% greater than in Boston.
- In Los Angeles, the unemployment rate is approximately 71% higher than in Boston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 52% in Los Angeles over Boston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 48% higher in California than in Massachusetts, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Boston and Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Boston | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Boston than in Los Angeles.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Boston than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Boston than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Boston than in Los Angeles.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Boston vs. Los Angeles
| Boston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 59 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 466% greater than Boston.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Los Angeles is less walkable than Boston with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 out of 100.
- Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Los Angeles’s crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 53.81 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 46.19 vs Boston’s 60.12.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Boston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Los Angeles move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Los Angeles. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to City of Angels, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Los Angeles has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Los Angeles, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at 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 Boston to Los Angeles?
The best time to move from Boston to Los Angeles is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Los Angeles?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Los Angeles, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Los Angeles take?
Moving from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, covers 2,981 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Boston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Los Angeles.
Which movers in Boston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Boston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 86 movers in Boston advertise piano moving expertise. 57 movers in Boston provide antique moving services. State totals show 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Boston moving services
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