Factors influencing moving costs from Los Angeles to Boston

The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Los Angeles to Boston can be as low as $1,784 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $14,290.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,874 to $5,002. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Boston

Los Angeles Boston
Average rent cost $2,960 $3,400
Average home value $2,368,088 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $1,319 $1,459
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,770 $5,331
Unemployment rate 10.6% 6.2%
Sales tax 9.5% 6.25%
State income tax 13.3% 9.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Boston are 15% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • Home prices in Boston are 68.8% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Boston is 19.0% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Boston is 10.6% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a family in Boston is 11.8% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 41.51% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Sales taxes in Boston are 34.21% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 32.33% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,318.42 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.

How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Boston

Boston Los Angeles
Population 675,647 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance 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
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Boston's population is about 82% less than Los Angeles.
  • Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
  • Boston is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
  • With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 39.88 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 60.12 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Boston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Boston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

After settling into your new Massachusetts home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Boston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Boston?

The best time to move from Los Angeles to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.

When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Boston?

Because most people are moving from Los Angeles to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Los Angeles to Boston take?

The 2,983-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Boston, MA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.

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