Factors that influence moving costs from Lansing to Los Angelestoggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Lansing to Los Angeles might cost as little as $1,581, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $13,991.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Lansing, 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 $1,466 to $3,693. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Los Angeles

Moving from Lansing to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Lansing, itโ€™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:

Lansing Los Angeles
Average rent cost $1,129 $2,960
Average home value $148,542 $2,368,088
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $74,993
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $3,922
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $9,213
Unemployment rate 7.4% 10.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.5%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Los Angeles are 162% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Los Angeles are 1,494.2% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Los Angeles is 15.9% higher than in Lansing, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 145.9% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 119.4% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 43.24% higher than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Los Angeles, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Los Angeles are 58.33% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes in Los Angeles are 212.94% higher than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,376.80 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Los Angeles

Los Angeles Lansing
Population 3,820,914 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 69 46
Bike friendliness score 59 55
Crime Index 53.81 48.66
Safety Index 46.19 51.34
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Los Angeles's population is about 3,292% greater than Lansing.
  • Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Lansing's lower score of 5.
  • Los Angeles is more walkable than Lansing with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Lansing's 46 out of 100.
  • With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Lansing, which has a score of 55 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Lansing with a score of 53.81 compared to Lansing's 48.66. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
  • Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 46.19 vs Lansing's 51.34.
  • Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Lansing it's good.

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

  • Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Los Angeles. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Los Angeles

Ready to relocate to "City of Angels"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Echo Park
  • Los Feliz
  • Playa Del Rey
  • Silver Lake
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Brentwood
  • Eagle Rock
  • Mar Vista
  • Playa Vista
  • Studio City

Things to do in Los Angeles

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Los Angeles has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Los Angeles features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lansing to Los Angeles. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lansing.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Los Angeles?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lansing to Los Angeles, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Lansing to Los Angeles take?

The 2,216-mile journey from Lansing, MI to Los Angeles, CA typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Lansing offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Los Angeles.

Helpful moving resources