Best overall value
Local moving companies in Charlotte
- You Move Me: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Company Info
State license #: 2572
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Lack of communication
- Unfriendly or rude staff
- Overly complex pricing
Company Info
State license #: 2406
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Co. (NC), LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 601
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Bournias, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Poor packing quality
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Higher-than-expected costs
Company Info
State license #: 2774
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E. E. Ward Moving & Storage Co., EE Ward Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charlotte to Los Angeles
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Los Angeles
Moving from Charlotte to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Charlotte, it'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:
| Charlotte | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,790 | $2,960 |
| Average home value | $391,658 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,158 | $3,922 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,325 | $9,213 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 65% higher than in Charlotte.
- The home prices in Los Angeles are 504.6% higher than in Charlotte, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Los Angeles, where incomes are, on average, 15.7% higher than in Charlotte. Major 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 24.2% higher than in Charlotte. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you'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 10.7% higher than in Charlotte.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 221.21% higher than in Charlotte.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 31.03% higher than what you are paying in Charlotte.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 195.56% higher than in Charlotte.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,725.78 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Los Angeles
| Los Angeles | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 874,579 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 31 |
| Crime Index | 53.81 | 46.52 |
| Safety Index | 46.19 | 53.48 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Los Angeles's population is about 337% greater than Charlotte.
- Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Charlotte's lower score of 5.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Charlotte, which has a score of 31 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 Charlotte with a score of 53.81 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 46.19 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Charlotte it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte 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 “T Number” 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'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 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 – 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
Now that you've chosen City of Angels as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles to check out.
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
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Los Angeles has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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 city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — 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 Charlotte to Los Angeles?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charlotte to Los Angeles. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charlotte.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Los Angeles?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Los Angeles take?
Covering 2,421 miles, the move from Charlotte, NC to Los Angeles, CA typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Charlotte movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Los Angeles can help bridge the gap.
