($390+) Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Mesa, AZ, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $390 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,143 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 388 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,191, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,143 or more.
- Moving containers run $992 - $3,316, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $390 - $1,090.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mesa, AZ, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,083 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 687 real quotes from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Compare moving options from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Mesa to Los Angeles: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,083 - $5,436. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 388-mile route from Mesa 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 $1,191 - $4,027 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($992 - $1,743), rental truck ($390 - $738), or freight trailer ($865 - $1,650). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,083 - $5,436 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,143.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
For the 388-mile move from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, full-service movers cost between $1,191 and $8,143. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $398 - $2,652 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mesa to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $4,027
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,083 - $5,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,240 - $8,143
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 Mesa to Los Angeles.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Add-ons and specialty services from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Mesa to Los Angeles. Prices are localized to Mesa costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Mesa to Los Angeles) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $663 - $6,630 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $265 - $1,591/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $398 - $3,182 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,326 - $3,978 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,315 - $13,260 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $993 - $1,887 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,326 - $3,315 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $1,061 - $4,641 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $398 - $1,989 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $862 - $2,652 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $398 - $19,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $398 - $4,641+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Mesa to Los Angeles?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Mesa, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Mesa to Los Angeles with a local mover averages $2,124 - $5,544. Working with a local mover based in Mesa, AZ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Mesa, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $992 and $3,316. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mesa to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $1,743
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,242 - $2,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,316
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Mesa, AZ and Los Angeles, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $928 in Mesa, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $99 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $199 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $992. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,242 - $2,426, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Mesa to Los Angeles?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Mesa 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 Mesa:
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 388-mile move from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $390 and $1,090, depending on truck size. You're responsible for loading your belongings at pickup, driving the full 388 miles yourself, and unloading at your destination. On top of the base rate, expect to pay for fuel ($164 - $187 for the drive), insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27).
Rental moving trucks typically range from 10 - 26 feet, with 15- to 17-foot trucks being the most commonly used for the average 2-bedroom move. Smaller trucks (10 - 12 feet) work well for studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes, while homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually require a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks 20 feet or larger generally need diesel fuel, which can drive up your total fuel costs.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Mesa to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $390 - $738
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $407 - $884
- 4+ bedrooms: $554 - $1,090
Pro tip: A rental truck from Mesa to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $390 - $1,090. But once you factor in fuel ($164 - $187) , overnight lodging ($199/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 $99 and $464.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $199.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $164 and $187 for the 388-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 $928 for 2 movers in Mesa, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mesa to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
For larger DIY moves from Mesa, Arizona, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,067 and $2,002.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mesa to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $865 - $1,650
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,067 - $2,002
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,399 - $2,450
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Mesa, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $928.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $99 - $199 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Mesa to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Knight Transportation, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Knight Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Los Angeles fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Mesa, AZ 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 Mesa on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Mesa, AZ | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,786/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $354,997 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $78,779/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
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 Mesa, AZ guide.
Our take
A move from Mesa, AZ, to Los Angeles, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,191 - $8,143 on the 388-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $992 - $3,316, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $390 - $1,090. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,083 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
How to plan your move from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
- Compare your moving service options: Compare the four service types for the 388-mile Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA route using the cost table above: full-service movers ($1,191 - $8,143), moving containers ($992 - $3,316), rental trucks ($390 - $1,090), and freight trailers.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Enter your home size and moving date into moveBuddha's moving cost calculator to get an instant, personalized estimate for the Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA route.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Review the top-rated movers we recommend for this route, including Safeway Moving (4.9/5), PODS (4.8/5), Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), and MovingYourself, each rated by moveBuddha across pricing, service, and reliability.
- Request free quotes: Request free, no-obligation quotes from the movers you shortlist so you can compare real prices for your Mesa to Los Angeles move side by side.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Before booking, confirm any interstate mover's USDOT number and license through the FMCSA to make sure they're authorized for your Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA move.
- Book early and time your move: Book early and, if you can, avoid peak season (mid-May through mid-September) to lock in lower rates and better availability on the Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA route.
FAQ
What is the best time to move from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA?
For the best combination of price and availability, plan your move between October and March. Moving demand slows down considerably in the off-season, which typically means lower rates and more scheduling flexibility across all service types on this route.
Peak season (mid-May through mid-September) brings higher prices and tighter availability. If that's when you need to move from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, booking early and choosing a midweek date away from the end of the month can help you avoid the worst of the price spikes.
What is the cheapest way to move from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA?
Renting a moving truck is the lowest-cost option for moving from Mesa to Los Angeles, with a 2-bedroom rental truck averaging $407 - $884 on this route. Browse our cheapest truck rental recommendations to compare base rates and find the right fit for your DIY move.
Just remember that fuel ($164 - $187), daily insurance ($40/day), equipment rentals ($9 - $27), and overnight lodging ($199/night) stack on top of the base rate. Add up the full picture before deciding it's the right move for your relocation from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California.
How much does it typically cost to move from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA?
Moving costs on this route run anywhere from $1,191 - $8,143, depending on your home size and what kind of help you hire. A small apartment using a rental truck lands near the lower end, while a large home with full-service movers falls closer to the top.
Full-service movers for a move from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, generally range from $1,191 - $8,143. DIY options like containers and trucks cost less upfront but come with additional expenses that can close the gap.
How long does a move from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA take?
Most full-service and container moves on this route are completed within 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. That window reflects how carriers typically consolidate multiple shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps costs reasonable.
If speed and a predictable delivery window are priorities, freight trailers are the fastest option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself. The tradeoff is that freight carriers expect you to be ready to receive your shipment quickly, so it's not the best fit if you need storage or your new place won't be ready right away.
If you're driving a rental truck from Mesa, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, the timeline is entirely up to you. Just plan for drive time and any overnight stops along the way.
What should I know before moving from Mesa, AZ to Los Angeles, CA?
If you can trim 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, you can save approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
It also pays to get organized early. A thorough moving checklist keeps you on track with booking deadlines, packing timelines, and everything else that needs to happen before the truck pulls up.
