($560+) Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $560 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,178 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 787 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,873, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,178 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,065 - $3,646, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $560 - $1,416.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,534 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Albuquerque to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,534 - $6,204 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 44% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 787 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 787-mile route from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,873 - $4,851, container $1,065 - $1,901, rental truck $560 - $1,034, freight trailer $949 - $1,642.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,534 - $6,204, container $1,422 - $2,530, rental truck $576 - $1,252, freight trailer $1,138 - $2,067.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,335 - $8,178, container $1,853 - $3,646, rental truck $699 - $1,416, freight trailer $1,424 - $2,806.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
For the 787-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, full-service movers cost between $1,873 and $8,178. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $360 - $2,400 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Albuquerque generally start around $185 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,873 - $4,851
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,534 - $6,204
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,335 - $8,178
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Albuquerque to Los Angeles.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Albuquerque movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $600 - $6,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $240 - $1,440/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $360 - $2,880 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,200 - $3,600 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,000 - $12,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $899 - $1,708 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Albuquerque NM Movers | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| Piano | Any piano type24% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $960 - $4,200 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $360 - $1,800 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: EXCEPTIONAL (NM) | $780 - $2,400 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $360 - $18,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $360 - $4,200+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque to Los Angeles?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Albuquerque, NM. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,065 and $3,646. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Albuquerque typically runs around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $1,901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,422 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,853 - $3,646
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $840 in Albuquerque, NM. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $90 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $180 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Los Angeles, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,065. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,422 - $2,530.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque to Los Angeles?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Albuquerque to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
- Mr. Move It All (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck for this 787-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $560 and $1,416. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $300 - $343
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Albuquerque daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $560 - $1,034
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $576 - $1,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $699 - $1,416
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $560 - $1,416 when pricing out a rental truck from Albuquerque to Los Angeles. Fuel alone runs $300 - $343, and overnight lodging ($180/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $300 - $343 for the 787-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for about 5 hours typically costs around $840.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 787-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $180 per night, adding $360 - $540 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $360.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Los Angeles, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,138 and $2,067.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $949 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,138 - $2,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,806
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $90 - $180 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, typically costs $840.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Albuquerque, NM vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Albuquerque on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Albuquerque, NM | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $265,984 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $65,604/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.9% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 28.28/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Mexico alone has 39 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 787-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 787-mile move from Albuquerque, NM, to Los Angeles, CA, costs between $1,873 and $8,178 with full-service movers, $1,065 - $3,646 with a moving container, and $560 - $1,416 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,534 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Los Angeles, CA
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 43 and 61 in Albuquerque. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($300 - $343), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $180/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 24% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.