Top-rated local movers that handle Los Angeles to Seattle moves
When planning a move from Los Angeles to Seattle, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 102 local movers in Los Angeles who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Los Angeles to Seattle.
- Seka Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Excalibur Movers Los Angeles: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
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
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 019128
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1383790
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Movers in California charge $128 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 | $1,199 – $4,604 | $830 – $2,199 | $708 – $1,376 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,601 – $6,273 | $1,519 – $3,256 | $750 – $1,619 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,144 – $8,553 | $2,138 – $3,934 | $1,020 – $2,051 |
Cost to hire movers from Los Angeles to Seattle
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Seattle, you can expect to spend between $1,199 and $4,604. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,601 to $6,273 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Seattle typically runs between $4,144 and $8,553.
Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles to Seattle
When moving from Los Angeles to Seattle, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $830 and $2,199. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,519 to $3,256. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,138 up to $3,934. 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 Los Angeles to Seattle
Renting a moving truck in Los Angeles is usually your cheapest option to get to Seattle. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $708 and $1,376. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $750 and $1,619. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,020 and $2,051.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Los Angeles to Seattle
The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,338, but larger homes can run up to $7,426.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Los Angeles.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($708–$1,787) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Seattle
Many movers find Seattle easier on the wallet than Los Angeles – roughly 36% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,740 for one person in Seattle versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it’s $9,801 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 33% lower in Seattle than in Los Angeles, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 64% lower in Seattle than in Los Angeles.
- The average income in Seattle and Los Angeles is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Seattle, where the cost of living for a single person is 36% less than in Los Angeles.
- Moving to Seattle could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 23% less than in Los Angeles.
- Seattle experiences an unemployment rate that is about 55% lower than that of Los Angeles. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in Seattle than in Los Angeles. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Los Angeles with Seattle:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Los Angeles than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Los Angeles than in Seattle.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Los Angeles than in Seattle.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Los Angeles than in Seattle.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Seattle
| Los Angeles | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 71 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 81% less than Los Angeles.
- Seattle’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Los Angeles, making them very similar.
- Seattle is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Los Angeles’s 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 58.88 compared to Los Angeles’s 53.81. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Seattle is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 49.23 vs Los Angeles’s 46.19.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Los Angeles it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to Seattle move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Seattle smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you’ve chosen Emerald City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Seattle is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Seattle offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Seattle?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Los Angeles to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Los Angeles are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Because spring and fall moves from Los Angeles to Seattle 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 Seattle take?
A move of 1,134 miles from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Los Angeles sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Seattle is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Los Angeles?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Los Angeles, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Los Angeles offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 82 movers in Los Angeles have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 71 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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