Quick answer: A move from Los Angeles to New York City costs $1,982–$10,300 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,789-mile move yourself.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from New York City to Los Angeles guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Los Angeles to New York City

Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Los Angeles to New York City can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.

Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NY movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The top local movers servicing Los Angeles to New York City moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Los Angeles that also handles long-distance moves to New York City. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.

Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Los Angeles who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Los Angeles to New York City.

  1. Seka Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Prodigy Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/sekamoving, https://twitter.com/SekaMoving/
88% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Seka Moving receives high praise for delivering professional, careful, and efficient moves, according to 88% of analyzed feedback. Customers frequently mention polite staff, careful handling of belongings, quick and smooth processes, and genuinely helpful crew members. Many note that moves finished ahead of schedule, and damage-free delivery is a strong trend.
Clients appreciate Seka's responsive communication and flexibility, making relocation much easier and less stressful compared to other movers. While most feedback highlights reliable performance, some negative input mentions incidents of damaged items, unsatisfactory complaint handling, and at times, unprofessional behavior. These issues contrast sharply with the positive experiences, but are relatively rare—only 12% of reviews. Seka stands out as a leading choice in the moving industry for professionalism and diligence, though customers facing problems report dissatisfaction with how disputes are resolved.
Show more
Get a Quote (323) 483-4288

Company Info

State license #: 0192497

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3014539

Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation


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
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/RigosMovingAndStorage/,
80% of all reviews were positive
20% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Move without the headache—most feedback for Rigo's Moving Company highlights fast, polite service, and movers who treat customers’ belongings with respect. Out of 522 reviews, almost 80% of clients offered positive input, more than is typical for moving companies. People value how efficiently teams load and unload, the professionalism of movers, and their careful approach to furniture and fragile items.
Staff routinely communicate well and work quickly to reduce stress during the move. Yet, some customers call out issues, especially regarding damages to furniture or property, unexpected fees, and crews arriving late. A few also mention being charged for unworked hours. Compared to other movers, Rigo's stands out for its reliability and strong work ethic, but should improve on punctuality and handling claims to give customers peace of mind. Most who used Rigo's would recommend the service and use it again, but caution others to clarify policies and extra charges before hiring.
Show more
Get a Quote (323) 519-2845

Company Info

State license #: 0191663

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3075110


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarMoving/, https://twitter.com/NorthStarMoving
92% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers call NorthStar Moving Company a standout in the moving industry, praising efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, quick process, and communication. Out of 1,215 reviews, 92% gave positive input. Customers frequently thank staff for protecting their belongings, arriving promptly, and making stressful transitions much easier.
Rates are seen as competitive or a good value, especially compared to other movers who charge more or damage items. Communication with office staff and movers is often highlighted as a reassurance during stressful moves, with efficient booking and helpful support being noted advantages. Negative feedback appears in only 6% of responses, with the biggest concerns being damaged items, higher-than-expected charges, and some delayed arrivals or deliveries. A few customers experienced discrepancies between estimates and final pricing, or had items lost or mishandled. Others mentioned follow-up to resolve issues but found the claims process or communication for resolution challenging. NorthStar earns its reputation by consistently going above and beyond for most customers, solving moving day obstacles, and delivering quick, safe service at fair prices. Compared to many moving operations, NorthStar offers greater reliability, more careful crews, and much better results in both local and long-distance jobs. Customers said they’d continue to choose NorthStar, while advising others to keep an eye on pricing details and final inventory. The overwhelmingly positive feedback positions this company as a top choice in professional moving services.
Show more
Get a Quote (213) 622-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 1836576


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064228921165,
67% of all reviews were positive
28% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
A reputation built on hustle, but not without headaches—Move Central Moving & Storage analyzed 1,279 reviews with 67% praising their services. People call out efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, quick-moving crews, and reliable communication as top strengths. Customers often highlight how movers protect fragile items and show respect throughout the process.
Yet, difficult stories are all too common and focus on high final costs, surprise charges, and damage to belongings. Negative feedback consistently reports being billed far over initial quotes, with some mentioning extra fees that weren’t clear at booking. Damage during moves and lackluster resolution of claims are also hot topics. While the company stands out for working quickly and having courteous staff, the challenges around price accuracy and risk of breakage make the experience less predictable compared to competitors. Most choose them for their fast, friendly approach, but buyers should watch for cost details and pay attention to documentation before booking.
Show more
Get a Quote (323) 827-8950

Company Info

State license #: 0191020

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2365576

Alternate Names: Move Central Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/prodigymove/, https://twitter.com/_prodigymoving_
95% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
When moving day arrives, most customers describe Prodigy Moving & Storage as a well-oiled, professional operation. Out of 1,834 customer feedback entries, over 95% reported a positive experience. Clients consistently praise the teams for speed, careful handling, courteous staff, and clear communication.
Crews arrive on time, work quickly, and show particular attention to protecting furniture and property. Customers repeatedly mention helpful coordination, efficient processes, and staff who make a notoriously stressful task simple and manageable. Prodigy’s service quality and consistency put it ahead of most moving companies in the region. Some negative feedback points to extra charges, lost or damaged items, and—less often—problems with communication or claims resolution. The most common complaints are surprise fees or rare mishandling of possessions. Compared to the industry, Prodigy stands out for its exceptional reliability, but as with any moving company, occasional mistakes can happen and a few cases reported difficulty resolving those. For those seeking an efficient, attentive, and professional move, Prodigy Moving & Storage is widely trusted and repeatedly recommended by both first-time and repeat customers.
Show more
Get a Quote (866) 991-6683

Company Info

State license #: 191106

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 3983945


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to New York City?

Los Angeles movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,636 - $7,039 $1,692 - $4,481 $2,023 - $3,699
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,785 - $10,300 $2,972 - $6,271 $1,982 - $4,491
4+ bedrooms $8,817 - $14,733 $4,530 - $8,821 $2,769 - $5,514
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,789 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from California to New York

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to New York typically costs between $1,636 and $7,039. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,785 and $10,300 when moving from CA to NY. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to New York, you're looking at costs ranging from $8,817 up to $14,733.

Cost of moving containers from California to New York

Moving from California to New York? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,692 and $4,481. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,972 to $6,271. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,530 up to $8,821. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to New York

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $2,023 to $3,699. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,982 to $4,491, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to New York costs around $2,769 to $5,514.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to New York Citytoggle

The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Los Angeles to New York City might cost as little as $1,636, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $14,050.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Los Angeles, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $2,023 to $4,831 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to New York City

Moving from Los Angeles to New York City comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since New York City is generally more expensive than Los Angeles, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Los Angeles New York City
Average rent cost $2,960 $4,340
Average home value $2,368,088 $752,778
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $78,058
Cost of living (single person) $3,922 $5,683
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,213 $15,081
Unemployment rate 10.6% 11.2%
Sales tax 9.5% 8.0%
State income tax 13.3% 10.9%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in New York City, since prices are typically 47% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in New York City.
    Home prices in New York City are 68.2% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in New York City, where incomes are, on average, 4.1% higher than in Los Angeles. Major employers in New York City include IBM, PepsiCo, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co..
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person in New York City is 44.9% higher than in Los Angeles. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to New York City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 63.7% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in New York City is 5.66% higher than in Los Angeles.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in New York City, since the city's sales taxes in New York City are 15.79% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • One perk of moving to New York City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,347.02 in New York City 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. New York City

New York City Los Angeles
Population 8,258,035 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 8
Walkability score 88 69
Bike friendliness score 69 59
Crime Index 50.83 53.81
Safety Index 49.17 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of New York City is about 116% greater than Los Angeles, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • New York City offers better access to buses and trains than Los Angeles, based on public transportation ratings. New York City has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 8 in Los Angeles. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in New York City means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Los Angeles. New York City is considered more walkable than Los Angeles, with a score of 88 out of 100 versus 69 out of 100 in Los Angeles. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, New York City is considered more bike-friendly than Los Angeles in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, while Los Angeles is rated as 59 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in New York City as Los Angeles. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
  • New York City is generally as safe as Los Angeles, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that New York City has better air quality than in Los Angeles. New York City has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Los Angeles. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. New York City move

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26°F to 87°F. Temps are rarely below 10°F or above 95°F.
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While New York doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to New York City without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in New York City

With your sights set on Big Apple, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in New York City.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Astoria, Queens
  • Lower East Side, Manhattan
  • Murray Hill, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side, Manhattan
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Battery Park City, Manhattan
  • Forest Hills, Queens
  • Great Kills, Staten Island
  • Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Riverdale, Bronx

Things to do in New York City

Now that you've made the move to New York it's the perfect time to explore New York City From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in New York City include museums and art centers like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, New York Public Library, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Brooklyn Nets (NBA), Long Island Nets (NBA G League), New York City FC (MLS), or New York Giants (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to New York City?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Los Angeles to New York City You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Los Angeles.

When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to New York City?

Because spring and fall moves from Los Angeles to New York City are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Los Angeles to New York City take?

The 2,789-mile journey from Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Los Angeles offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in New York City.

Helpful moving resources