($349+) Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $349 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,689 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 371 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 $1,109, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,689 or more.
- Moving containers run $879 - $2,935, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $349 - $924.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,855 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 Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix 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 $1,855 - $4,946. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 371-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 371-mile route from Phoenix 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 $1,109 - $4,021 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($879 - $1,593), rental truck ($349 - $619), or freight trailer ($817 - $1,492). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,855 - $4,946 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,689.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers for the 371-mile relocation from Phoenix, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,109 and $6,689. 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 $398 - $2,652, 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 Phoenix typically charge a base rate around $140 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,109 - $4,021
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,855 - $4,946
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,000 - $6,689
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 Phoenix 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.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix 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 packing98% of local movers | $663 - $6,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $265 - $1,591/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $398 - $3,182 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,326 - $3,978 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,315 - $13,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $993 - $1,887 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,326 - $3,315 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,061 - $4,641 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $398 - $1,989 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $862 - $2,652 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $398 - $19,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $398 - $4,641+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Los Angeles?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Phoenix, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Los Angeles with a local mover averages $1,873 - $4,995. Working with a local mover based in Phoenix, 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 (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $879 and $2,935. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Phoenix costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $879 - $1,593
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,536 - $2,935
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $99 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $199 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $928 in Phoenix, AZ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Los Angeles, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $879. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,125 - $2,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 371 miles from Phoenix, Arizona, to Los Angeles, California, running $349 - $924. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $157 - $179
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $349 - $619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $395 - $788
- 4+ bedrooms: $494 - $924
Pro tip: The base rate of $349 - $924 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Fuel ($157 - $179) , lodging at around $199/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $157 and $179 for the 371-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 Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Phoenix, Arizona, 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 $1,193 and $1,790.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $947 - $1,790
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,316 - $2,417
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?
- 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 Phoenix, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $928.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $99 and $199 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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: Phoenix, 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 Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona 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 97 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 371-mile move.
Our take
A move from Phoenix, 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 $1,109 - $6,689 on the 371-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $879 - $2,935, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $349 - $924. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,855 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 Phoenix, AZ, to Los Angeles, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ 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 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. 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 41 and 56 in Phoenix. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
