Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best NM→CA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 16 New Mexico moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Albuquerque to Los Angeles

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Los Angeles runs about 176% higher for singles and 138% higher for families than Albuquerque.

Singles spend around $5,833 in Los Angeles versus $2,111 in Albuquerque; families pay $12,720 compared with $5,353.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Albuquerque	Los Angeles
Average 1 BR rent	$1,189	$2,603
Average 3 BR rent	$2,321	$4,443
Average home value	$329,595	$2,368,088
Average income (per capita)	$61,503	$74,993
Cost of living (single)	$2,111	$5,833
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,353	$12,720
Unemployment rate	7.4%	10.6%
Sales tax	7.63%	9.5%
State income tax	5.9%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 137% more expensive in Los Angeles than in Albuquerque. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 618% steeper in Los Angeles compared to Albuquerque.
Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 22% greater in Los Angeles than in Albuquerque, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
Prepare for elevated costs in Los Angeles, with the cost of living for a single person being 176% more than in Albuquerque. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
When considering a family move to Los Angeles, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 138% higher than in Albuquerque.
Los Angeles has a higher unemployment rate than Albuquerque by about 43%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes in Los Angeles surpass those in Albuquerque by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
Income taxes are 125% more in California than in New Mexico. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Albuquerque versus Los Angeles:

Living Expense	Albuquerque	Los Angeles
Basic utilities	$181.47	$192.54
Cell phone plan	$53.75	$62.50
Dozen eggs	$4.47	$7.02
Loaf of bread	$2.94	$4.58
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$17.41	$25.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$80.00	$100.00
Gym membership	$44.50	$47.76

Basic utilities cost less in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles.
Eggs are less expensive in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles.
Bread costs less in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles.
A quick meal is cheaper in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Albuquerque than in Los Angeles.

How life is different in Albuquerque vs. Los Angeles

	Albuquerque	Los Angeles
Population	564,559	3,820,914
Transportation score	5	8
Walkability score	43	69
Bike friendliness score	61	59
Crime index	71.72	53.81
Safety index	28.28	46.19
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Los Angeles's population is about 577% greater than Albuquerque.
Los Angeles's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Albuquerque's score of 5.
Los Angeles is more walkable than Albuquerque with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Albuquerque's 43 out of 100.
Both Los Angeles and Albuquerque have similar bike-friendliness scores (61 vs 59), meaning Los Angeles is about as safe for cyclists as Albuquerque. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
Los Angeles's crime rate is lower than Albuquerque with a score of 53.81 compared to Albuquerque's 71.72. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albuquerque neighborhoods are safer than 71.72%.
Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Albuquerque with a safety index of 46.19 vs Albuquerque's 28.28.
Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Albuquerque it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Albuquerque to Los Angeles move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Los Angeles. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Los Angeles

With your sights set on City of Angels, these are some of the most popular 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

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Los Angeles. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Albuquerque to Los Angeles. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Albuquerque.

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

Want to save on your move from Albuquerque to Los Angeles? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

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

The 787-mile move from Albuquerque, NM, to Los Angeles, CA, takes two to seven days. Some Albuquerque movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.

What kinds of discounts do Albuquerque movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Albuquerque?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 4 movers in Albuquerque provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 10 piano movers and 5 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.