Quick answer: A typical 2,617-mile move from Los Angeles to Richmond runs $1,988–$10,165 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

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

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

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Los Angeles to Richmond

Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Los Angeles to Richmond 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 VA 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 Richmond moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Los Angeles that also handles long-distance moves to Richmond. 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 Richmond.

  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 Richmond?

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 $1,657 - $6,634 $1,625 - $4,000 $1,837 - $3,627
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,696 - $10,165 $3,004 - $6,444 $1,988 - $4,278
4+ bedrooms $9,188 - $15,140 $4,345 - $8,601 $2,413 - $5,247
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,617 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 Virginia

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Virginia will cost between $1,657 and $6,634. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to VA will range from $4,696 to $10,165, and a large move from California to Virginia will cost from $9,188 to $15,140.

Cost of moving containers from California to Virginia

Moving containers from California to Virginia will cost you $1,625 to $4,000 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,004 to $6,444. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,345 to $8,601. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Virginia

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,837 and $3,627. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,988 and $4,278. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,413 up to $5,247 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Richmondtoggle

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 Richmond might cost as little as $1,657, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $14,460.
  • 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 $1,837 to $4,880 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Richmond

Moving from Los Angeles to Richmond means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Richmond, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Los Angeles compares to Richmond so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Los Angeles Richmond
Average rent cost $2,960 $1,595
Average home value $2,368,088 $350,897
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $59,606
Cost of living (single person) $3,922 $2,270
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,213 $5,336
Unemployment rate 10.6% 7.1%
Sales tax 9.5% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Richmond are 46% lower than in Los Angeles, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
    Home prices in Richmond are 85.2% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Richmond is 20.5% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Richmond — including Brink's, CarMax, and MeadWestvaco — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Richmond. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 42.1% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • A move to Richmond can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 42.1% less than what it costs in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Richmond is 33.02% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Richmond, since the city's sales taxes in Richmond are 36.84% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • One perk of moving to Richmond is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.77% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,736.36 in Richmond 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. Richmond

Richmond Los Angeles
Population 226,610 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 51 69
Bike friendliness score 51 59
Crime Index 48.45 53.81
Safety Index 51.55 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Richmond's population is about 94% less than Los Angeles.
  • Richmond's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
  • Richmond is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
  • Richmond has a bike-friendliness score 51 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.
  • Richmond's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 48.45 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
  • Richmond is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 51.55 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
  • Air quality in Richmond is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.

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

  • Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Virginia doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Richmond. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Richmond

Ready to relocate to Capital of the South? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Richmond.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Monroe Ward
  • The Fan District
  • The Museum District
  • Woodland Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bellevue
  • Byrd Park
  • Museum District
  • Three Chopt
  • Westover Hills

Things to do in Richmond

After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it's time to see what Richmond is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Richmond include museums and art centers like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol 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 Richmond Kickers (USL League One) and Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Los Angeles to Richmond 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 Richmond?

Because spring and fall moves from Los Angeles to Richmond 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 Richmond take?

The 2,617-mile journey from Los Angeles, CA to Richmond, VA, 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 Richmond.

Helpful moving resources