($549+) Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM ranges from $1,113 to $8,052, with an average cost of $2,900. Moves can be as low as $549 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 786 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM
Moving options from Los Angeles to Albuquerque fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,113 - $8,052 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,900, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 786 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 786-mile route from Los Angeles to Albuquerque, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,113 for a studio up to $8,052 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,033 - $3,646 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $538 - $1,445, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $901 - $2,750, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 786-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with costs ranging from $1,113 - $8,052. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $402 - $2,680. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Los Angeles and Albuquerque. Local movers in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,113 - $4,498
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,396 - $5,866
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,786 - $8,052
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 Los Angeles to Albuquerque.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Albuquerque, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $670 - $6,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $268 - $1,608/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $402 - $3,216 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,340 - $4,020 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,350 - $13,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,004 - $1,907 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,340 - $3,350 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,072 - $4,690 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $402 - $2,010 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $871 - $2,680 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $402 - $20,100+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $402 - $4,690+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Albuquerque?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in New Mexico Warehousemen’s 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 Los Angeles, CA, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, cost between $1,033 and $3,646. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Los Angeles typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,033 - $1,921
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,422 - $2,717
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,853 - $3,646
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $938, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $101 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $201 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and Albuquerque, NM, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to New Mexico 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 $1,033. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,422 - $2,717.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to Albuquerque?
- 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM
Plan on $538 - $1,445 for a rental moving truck on the 786-mile route from Los Angeles, California, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $335 - $383
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Albuquerque based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $538 - $1,075
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $594 - $1,277
- 4+ bedrooms: $743 - $1,445
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to Albuquerque looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $538 - $1,445. But once you factor in fuel ($335 - $383), overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $335 - $383 for the 786-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $938.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 786-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $201 per night, adding $402 - $603 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $402.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Albuquerque?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Los Angeles, California, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,030 and $2,237.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $901 - $1,798
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,030 - $2,237
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,381 - $2,750
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $101 and $201.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $938.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Albuquerque?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Albuquerque quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs Albuquerque, NM
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Albuquerque, side by side with Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Albuquerque, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 92 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $265,984 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $65,604/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.9% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 28.28/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to New Mexico 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 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 786-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Albuquerque, NM, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,113 for a studio to $8,052 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 786-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,033 - $3,646. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $538 - $1,445, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,396 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include SunBridge Healthcare and Khi.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Albuquerque, NM
How walkable is Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 61, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($335 - $383), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $201/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New Mexico?
Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM?
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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.