Factors influencing moving costs from Los Angeles to Dallas

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 Dallas can be as low as $1,490 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,814.
  • 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 $1,048 to $2,747. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Dallas

Los Angeles Dallas
Average rent cost $2,960 $1,774
Average home value $2,368,088 $303,900
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $68,291
Cost of living (single person) $1,319 $1,212
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,770 $4,289
Unemployment rate 10.6% 3.6%
Sales tax 9.5% 8.25%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Dallas are 40% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Home prices in Dallas are 87.2% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Dallas is 8.9% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Dallas is 8.1% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a family in Dallas is 10.1% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Dallas is 66.04% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Sales taxes in Dallas are 13.16% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • State income taxes in Dallas are 100.00% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,756.63 in Dallas 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. Dallas

Dallas Los Angeles
Population 1,304,379 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 46 69
Bike friendliness score 49 59
Crime Index 51.4 53.81
Safety Index 48.6 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Dallas's population is about 66% less than Los Angeles.
  • Dallas's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's lower score of 8.
  • Dallas is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
  • Dallas has a bike-friendliness score 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
  • Dallas's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 51.4 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
  • Dallas is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 48.6 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
  • Air quality in Dallas is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.

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

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Dallas are most likely.
  • 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 Dallas. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Dallas

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big D", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Dallas.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Bishop Arts District
  • Deep Ellum
  • Design District
  • Knox-Henderson
  • Uptown

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Preston Hollow
  • Lake Highlands
  • Uptown
  • Preston Highlands
  • Lakewood
  • Richardson
  • University Park

Things to do in Dallas

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

  • Arts and culture: Dallas is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Museum of Art, and Rainbow Vomit.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake Park, Main Street Garden Park, and Fair Park — 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 Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), or Dallas Mavericks (NBA) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Los Angeles to Dallas 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 Dallas?

Because most people are moving from Los Angeles to Dallas 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 Dallas take?

The 1,435-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Dallas, TX, takes three to eight 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 Dallas.

Helpful moving resources

Los Angeles moving services

Popular California routes

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