Moving from Stockton to Los Angeles, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Stockton to Los Angeles costs between $406 to $7,519 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 338-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Stockton to Los Angeles
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Stockton to Los Angeles are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Stockton to driving and unloading in Los Angeles, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 338 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,046 - $5,350 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,329 - $2,633 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $436 - $808 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Stockton to Los Angeles?
It costs between $406 to $7,519 to move from Stockton to Los Angeles. The prices below break down your 338-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,230 - $7,519
- Moving containers: $1,007 - $3,087
- Rental trucks: $406 - $1,059
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,230 - $4,193 | $1,007 - $1,896 | $406 - $689 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,046 - $5,350 | $1,329 - $2,633 | $436 - $808 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,172 - $7,519 | $1,757 - $3,087 | $541 - $1,059 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $375 - $3,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $250 - $1,000 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $63 - $250 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Stockton to Los Angeles
At 338 miles, your Stockton to Los Angeles move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Stockton to Los Angeles. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 338 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Stockton to Los Angeles. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Stockton guide.
Considerations when moving from Stockton to Los Angeles
Cost of living: Stockton vs. Los Angeles
The cost of living in Stockton vs. Los Angeles isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Los Angeles compares to what you’re used to in Stockton.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Stockton | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,775 | $2,960 |
| Average home cost | $410,790 | $878,142 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,851 | $80,366 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,767 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 9.5% |
- Rent prices in Los Angeles are 67% higher than in Stockton, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Los Angeles are 114% higher than in Stockton, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income is the same in Los Angeles and Stockton, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- Living costs for one person are 55% higher in Los Angeles compared to Stockton. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Los Angeles, plan for living expenses to be about 87% higher than in Stockton. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Los Angeles is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is the same as in Stockton, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Los Angeles are 6% higher than in Stockton, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Stockton, you’ll need about $4,650 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Stockton vs. Los Angeles
Before you move, check out how life in Los Angeles measures up to Stockton. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Stockton | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,804 | 3,820,914 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 64-31 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 75.2 | 53.81 |
Los Angeles sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Los Angeles has a population roughly 1091% higher than Stockton. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Stockton and Los Angeles supported the Democratic candidate.
- In Los Angeles, summer highs top out around 84°F, lower than Stockton’s 93°F. Relocating here means milder summers and a more relaxed pace outdoors.
- During winter, Stockton gets colder than Los Angeles, with lows reaching 38°F compared to Los Angeles’s 46°F.
- Both Stockton and Los Angeles see similar yearly rainfall—Stockton averages 17 inches, while Los Angeles gets 16 inches.
- Both Stockton and Los Angeles receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Los Angeles posts a lower crime rate than Stockton, with a crime index of 53.81 compared to Stockton’s 75.2.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Los Angeles has plenty to offer:
Museums in Los Angeles
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- The Broad
Parks in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports teams in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Universities in Los Angeles
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
- Alliant International University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Stockton to Los Angeles?
Shipping furniture from Stockton to Los Angeles with a moving company typically costs between $1,096 and $3,814. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,046 to $5,350. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $3,172 and $7,519 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Stockton to Los Angeles?
If you’re planning a move from Stockton to Los Angeles and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $740 and $1,859. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,329 to $2,633. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,757 to $3,087.
How much is a moving truck from Stockton to Los Angeles?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $406 and $682. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $436 and $808. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Stockton to Los Angeles, truck rentals usually range from $541 up to $1,059.
How far in advance should I book Stockton-to-Los Angeles movers?
To make your move from Stockton to Los Angeles as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Los Angeles?
The cheapest time of year to move to Los Angeles is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
